What are Donepezil?
Donepezil is a remedy for the treatment of dementia that develops as a result of Alzheimer's disease. This remedy against dementia treats the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease inhibiting the activity of the enzyme called cholinesterase. Donepezil is available under the trade name Aricept®. The progression of this disease is not identical to each individual, but there are usually many similarities. In general, the first symptom to be seen is a short -term memory loss, followed by mood fluctuations, confusion, irritability, loss of long -term memory and loss of language and communication skills. Alzheimer's disease is a terminal condition because the control of body functions, including breathing, will eventually be lost.
The progression of Alzheimer's disease is variable, but in general, this medicine is the most effective when it is prescribed at the beginning of the disease progression. This is a key factor, because drugs cannot completely reverse symptoms that have already appeared or have prevented new symptoms, but it can reduce the speed of progression. Donepezil can improve symptomssuch as memory loss, cognitive damage and personality change, but cannot provide a medicine.
This medicine is in a drug class called anticholinesterase. These drugs inhibit an enzyme called cholinesterase, which decomposes a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Inhibition of enzyme activities these drugs make more acetylcholine available for brain use. This slows down the progression of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, because acetylcholin is essential for a large number of cognitive and physical functions.
Donepezil has an extensive list of possible side effects. These side effects are very variable in terms of severity and duration; Some are temporary and others are permanent if the drug is taken. Possible side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, weight loss, frequent urination, muscle cramps, joint pain, drowsiness and fatigue, headaches, sleep disorders and mood and behavior changes. These side effects are usually up toearly. Serious side effects include slow heart rhythm, chest pain, stool or vomiting, urine incontinence, pain or urination problems, lower back pain and seizures. Any side effects should be reported immediately by doctors.
Donepezil is often prescribed by one or more other substances against dementia, such as memantine. Memantine works in an alternative way that does not include a neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is a useful method of treatment, as prescribing multiple drugs with different ways of activity improves the efficacy of both drugs and helps reduce the symptoms of tnemoc even further.