Does someone in your family, perhaps your mother, father, or grandmother, suffer from Alzheimer's disease? Donepezil is a medication that is used to treat dementia, a condition in which a person gradually loses their memory and becomes unable to think. It works by improving memory and attention to a certain extent, helping them to perform daily tasks. But remember, this is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease. It only helps manage the symptoms.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
It is very important that your doctor is aware of these things before giving this medicine to you or someone close to you. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell them about it.
- If there is any injury to the head
- If you have heart disease
- If the heartbeat is irregular (Irregular heartbeat)
- If you have liver disease
- If you have lung or breathing problems (for example, asthma)
- If you have had seizures before
- If you have stomach ulcers or other intestinal problems
- If you have a history of stomach bleeding
- If you have difficulty urinating
- If you have an allergic reaction to Donepezil or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- If a mother is breastfeeding her child
How exactly do I use this medicine?
It is very important to know exactly how to use this medicine. Follow exactly what the doctor says.
This is a disintegrating tablet. Hold the tablet in your mouth and let it dissolve, then swallow. You can take this tablet with water, but water is not necessary. You can take it before or after meals. Take the prescribed dose at the time your doctor prescribes. It is usually recommended to take this medicine before going to bed at night .
The most important thing is, don't stop taking your medication until your doctor tells you to. Even if your symptoms seem to be getting better, you should continue taking the medication.
What to do if the medication dose increases?
If you suspect that you have taken an overdose of a medicine, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or take the patient to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Please note: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Give your doctor a complete list of all other medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking. Some medications can interact with Donepezil, which may change how it works or increase side effects.
The table below lists some of the medications that may cause such reactions. This list may not be complete, so it is important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking.
| Drug category | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should never be taken together | Some medications used to treat fungal infections (e.g. itraconazole, voriconazole), Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine, Quinidine. |
| Other medications that may interact |
|
In addition, tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, smoke, or use other drugs, as these can also interact with this medication.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular medical check-ups: After starting the medication, go for regular check-ups as directed by your doctor. If there is a change in your symptoms, whether they are getting better or worse, tell your doctor .
- Driving and operating machinery: This medicine may make you feel dizzy or have difficulty driving or operating machinery. It is therefore wise to avoid such activities until you know exactly how this medicine affects your body.
- Dizziness and Fainting: To reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting, get up slowly, rather than getting up suddenly from a sitting or lying position.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking this medication can increase these side effects. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, Donepezil can cause some side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Peptic ulcer | Stomach pain, loss of appetite, bloating, flatulence, chest pain, nausea, vomiting. |
| Stomach bleeding | If the stool is black or tarry, or if you vomit something that looks like coffee grounds. |
| Slow heartbeat | Dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, feeling unusually tired. |
| Seizures | A sudden seizure. |
| Difficulty urinating | Difficulty or inability to urinate. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach ache/diarrhea | Abdominal distension. |
| Tiredness | Feeling tired in the body. |
| Appetite | Decreased appetite. |
| Muscle pain | Pain or stiffness in the body and muscles. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Insomnia | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
How do you store your medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at normal room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
- Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Donepezil is a medication that helps manage symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, such as memory loss, but it is not a cure for the disease.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and all other medications you are taking.
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Never take two doses at the same time.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as stomach bleeding, slow heartbeat, or allergies, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else.
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