How does Aricept work?
Aricept (donepezil) helps improve brain function by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical is crucial for memory, thinking, and reasoning. People with dementia often have lower levels of acetylcholine.
Aricept belongs to a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors, which work by increasing acetylcholine levels to support better brain function. However, it does not change the progression of dementia itself.
References
- Aricept (donepezil) Package Insert. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/020690s035,021720s008,022568s005lbl.pdf
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What drugs can help improve or slow down memory loss?
Drugs used to improve or slow down memory include prescription medications (e.g., cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil) and over-the-counter products like ginseng and nootropics.
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Can Aricept be stopped abruptly?
No, you should not stop taking Aricept (donepezil) suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider. Abruptly discontinuing Aricept may cause a worsening of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. Continue reading
What are 7 key Aricept side effects to watch out for?
Common side effects of Aricept include nausea, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps, and low appetite. For most people, these side effects last a few weeks and get better with continued use of Aricept. Continue reading
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