Manufacturer: Cipla, India
Pharmaceutical name: Donepezil
Pack: 10 pills (5 mg)
Donecept enhances the function of nerve cells in the brain by inhibiting the breakdown of a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine. It is prescribed for managing confusion (dementia) associated with Alzheimer's disease. While it does not cure Alzheimer's, it may help to improve memory, awareness, and overall functionality. This medication acts as an enzyme inhibitor, helping to restore the balance of natural neurotransmitters in the brain.
Before you start taking Donecept, inform your doctor if you suffer from any heart rhythm issues such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats), have an enlarged prostate, experience urination difficulties, have asthma, suffer from obstructive pulmonary disease, or have a seizure disorder like epilepsy.
If you're scheduled for any type of surgery, be sure to notify the surgeon in advance that you are using Donecept. This medication can produce side effects that may affect your cognitive function or reflexes, so exercise caution when driving or engaging in activities that require alertness. Donecept addresses dementia linked to Alzheimer's by preventing the degradation of acetylcholine, which is crucial for thinking and memory processes.
Donecept contains the active ingredient Donepezil Hydrochloride, which inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase and thus prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, vital for transmitting signals in the central nervous system. Donecept helps to slow the advancement of dementia resulting from Alzheimer's disease.
Take it orally before bedtime. The suggested initial dose is 5 mg once daily for a month, and it may be increased to a maximum of 10 mg per day. Do not swallow or chew the tablet whole; let it dissolve in your mouth, swallowing occasionally as it dissolves.
Inform your doctor if you have sick sinus syndrome, an enlarged prostate, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, urination issues, asthma, stomach or duodenal ulcers, or a seizure condition such as epilepsy. Also, notify your doctor if you are currently taking NSAIDs, other choline inhibitors, are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Donecept should not be used by individuals with a known hypersensitivity to Donepezil or piperidine derivatives.
Common side effects may include allergic reactions (such as hives, rash, facial swelling), headaches, dizziness, fatigue, coughing up blood or vomiting that resembles blood or coffee grounds, painful or challenging urination, and seizures (blackouts or convulsions).