Aricept

The information on this product's packaging is Turkish language only.

Uses
Aricept (Donepezil Hydrochloride) is used to treat dementia in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Although treatment with this drug will not cure Alzheimer's, it can help to improve the patient's ability to interact socially with people, their memory as well as the ability to perform daily tasks. However, although it may slow down the loss of these functions, it will not prevent them from being lost.

The active ingredient in this medication belongs to a group of drugs called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, which work by slowing down the rate at which acetycholine is broken down in the brain. Lower levels of this compound (acetycholine) are usually present in the brains of patients affected by dementia.

Dosage and Administration
The dosage required for patients taking Aricept (Donepezil Hydrochloride) varies, depending on how serious the condition is. Alzheimer's which ranges from mild to moderate in severity is often treated with an initial dose of 5mg per day. However, certain patients may respond better to a dosage of 10mg per day. The prescribing doctor will determine whether this is the correct amount to take. Moderate to severe Alzheimer's may also require a different dosage, and in all cases, the instructions of the prescribing doctor must be followed.

Side effects
Unwanted side effects may occur during the course of treatment with Aricept (Donepezil Hydrochloride), such as:

• Appetite loss
• Behavioural changes
• Discoloured or bruised skin
• Urinating more frequently than usual
• Itchiness, redness or scaling of the skin

Tell your doctor about any reactions which you experience. In rare cases, serious reactions which require immediate medical attention may occur. Examples of this include pain when urinating, being unable to control urinating, bloody stools, seizures, back pain and other reactions which have not been listed here.

Precautions
Patients must tell their doctor if there is a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, heart disease, ulcers, emphysema or chronic bronchitis before taking this medicine.

Tiredness, dizziness and muscular cramps may occur during treatment, and this will affect the ability of patients to perform tasks which may be dangerous, such as driving or operating machinery.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Aricept (Donepezil Hydrochloride) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.