Aricept medication donepezil hydrochloride
June 2 2016 by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Aricept is a pharmaceutical drug that acts as the reversible inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase and prescribed as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. It is thought to exert its therapeutic effect by enhancing cholinergic function. This is accomplished by increasing the concentration of acetylcholine through reversible inhibition of its hydrolysis by acetylcholinesterase. If this proposed mechanism of action is correct, Aricept ’s effect may lessen as the disease process advances and fewer cholinergic neurons remain functionally intact. There is no evidence that Aricept alters the course of an underlying dementia process.
Aricept side effects, problems, caution
The most common Aricept side effects include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting, muscle cramp, fatigue and anorexia.
Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2014. Syncope secondary to second-degree atrioventricular block with donepezil use. Donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, is approved for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia secondary to Alzheimer's disease. Although most prescribers are aware of the common gastrointestinal side effects of donepezil, cardiovascular side effects are rarely observed. Cardiovascular side effects of donepezil have almost always been observed in patients with a history of conduction defects or sick sinus syndrome. We report a case of a woman with early onset Alzheimer's disease and no history of cardiac disease who developed second-degree heart block after a few weeks of therapy with donepezil. Withdrawal of donepezil led to resolution of the atrioventricular block.
Ann Pharmacother. 2014. Donepezil-induced myoclonus in a patient with Alzheimer disease.
Aricept induced decrease in heart rate and increase in PR interval are observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Aricept and dementia
Preliminary findings: behavioral worsening on donepezil Aricept in patients with
frontotemporal dementia.
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2007. Mendez MF, Shapira JS,
McMurtray A. Department of Neurology, University of California at Los
Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
The objective of this study was to evaluate donepezil Aricept, an acetylcholinesterase
inhibitor, in the treatment of frontotemporal dementia. Twelve patients with
frontotemporal dementia who received Aricept for six months were compared with
12 frontotemporal dementia controls on behavioral measures. The groups did not
differ on most variables at baseline or at six months; however, the Aricept
group had greater worsening on the frontotemporal dementia Inventory. Four
treated patients had increased disinhibited or compulsive acts, which abated
with discontinuation of the medication. Conclusion: There were no changes in
global cognitive performance or dementia severity; however, a subgroup of
patients with frontotemporal dementia can experience worsening of symptoms with
Aricept.
Aricept and Alzheimer's, alternative with dietary supplements
I just read
everything I could on Alzheimer's on your website and I have spent hours
researching the prescription drugs available. My mother is 88, lives alone in an
adult apartment complex and is experiencing early stages of dementia. The doctor
first prescribed Aricept and she had severe nausea and then was changed to
Exelon 1.3mg 2x/day and has been on it for about 6 weeks with no problems. This
week the doctor increased her dosage to 3mg 2xday and she had severe dizziness,
nausea and was unable to focus her eyes 3 hours after the first dose. The doctor
wanted her to get used to the increased dosage for one week and then to add
Namenda. After her experience today I am concerned about her falling or being
sick in her apartment alone. The prescription drugs have too many side effects.
My mom has been very active with games and activities at her complex and I want
her to be able to continue enjoying life as much as possible. I am of the
opinion that she might do as well if not better with something natural that does
not have the Aricept side effects and the research I have read is not very
promising for the prescription drugs and the amount of actual benefit. Can Mind
Power Rx be effective for Alzheimers for some people. Obviously I would not do
anything without her doctors agreement but being sick each day with nausea is
worse than forgetfulness. She also takes blood pressure medications Captopril,
Isosorbide and Benicar and is overweight. My question is - would any of the
ingredients in Mind Power interfere with the blood pressure pills she currently
takes, and if not, would she take 1 pill 5 days per week or less? I have been a
follower of your opinions for several years now due to my own health concerns
and greatly admire you Dr. Sahelian. Any suggestions you have would be so
appreciated.
A. Thank you. Aricept and other medicines prescribed
for Alzheimer's are not necessarily that helpful and could have serious side
effects. It is not easy to predict the response to
Mind Power Rx for
Alzheimer's patients, but it is worth a try at a low dose of half a capsule and
the dosage can be adjusted based on response. Doctor approval is necessary.