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Aricept medication: Is this really a
memory drug?
Brand name: Aricept
Generic name: Donepezil hydrochloride
Aricept medication: Why is this drug prescribed?
 Aricept medication
is one of only two drugs that have been found to provide some relief
from symptoms of early Alzheimer's disease. Aricept medication does
not stop the progress of the underlying disease but may improve brain
function in some sufferers of early Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's
disease causes physical changes in the brain that interfere with the
flow of information and disrupts memory, thinking and results in
behavioral changes. These changes seem to be temporarily improved
with the use of Aricept medication.
Aricept medication: Important information to know
In order to gain
the benefits and maintain any improvement, Aricept must be taken on a
regular basis. If it is stopped or taken irregularly, its benefits
may be reduced or lost. You must also have some patience when
starting this medication as it may take up to three weeks for any
positive effects.
When should the Aricept medication not be prescribed?
Most geriatric
doctors believe that there are least two main reasons to avoid
Aricept: if you have an allergic reaction to the medication, or an
allergic reaction to the group of antihistamines that includes
Claritin, Allegra, Atarax, Periactin, Optimine, Nolahist and
Hismanal.
Aricept medication: What if you're pregnant or breast-feeding?
Since Aricept
medication has not been prescribed for women of childbearing age it
has not been tested among women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Also, it has not been studied whether Aricept medication appears in
breast milk and is therefore a threat to a feeding infant.
Information Adapted from
The PDR Family Guide to Prescription Drugs
Additional Information and
webpage by Paul Susic MA Licensed
Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
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