Aricept Forums

I have a pseudocholinesterase deficiency which caused me some problems in the past. Can I take Aricept when I have a pseudocholinesterase deficiency? ## Medline Plus states that "Pseudocholinesterase deficiency is a condition that results in increased sensitivity to certain muscle relaxant drugs used during general anesthesia, called choline esters." [1]. Aricept is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and is known to intensify the effects of succinylcholine-type muscle relaxation during anesthesia and has the potential to interfere with the activity of anticholinergic medications. Also, "A synergistic effect may be expected with concomitant administration of succinylcholine, similar neuromuscular blocking agents, or cholinergic agonists". [2]. So by the sounds of it, this ...

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Is the generic version or Aricept safe to use? The discussion about the cost of the brand Aricept does not refer to the availability of the lower cost generic which raises questions as to whether the avoidance of reference indicates the generic is not safe or reliable. ## Hello, Ginny! How are you? Yes, it has been proven to be safe and effective. It is really the exact same medication, just without the trademarked name. However, there aren't many generics available, from what I can find, only one has actually been approved, so far, though another is pending, which mans it likely isn't widely available, yet. Is there anything else I can help with? ## I have developed severe leg cramping since taking Aricept. Can I discontinue this drug cold turkey? ## I was diagnosed with Parkin...

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riting on behalf of a friend. His mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 3 months ago due to memory impairment. Shecwas still functioning however. Still cooking, cleaning etc. Since going on the meds he hasn't seen any improvent and now she is sleeping all the time.. Barely recognises he is there and can't remember events of ten minutes ago. He is wondering if the donepezil is actually helping and knows Alzheimer's is progressive but wonders if the quick decline could be medication related? Any advice appreciated. She ids on 10 mg a day. I know its hard to tell just wondering if anyone can advise as to whether the medication. Should have helped more or could be hindering? Thanks again. ## Unfortunately, only her doctor can answer these questions. Alzheimer's can rapidly ...

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my prescription bottle says to take this medicine daily. i threw away the information sheet that routinely is attached to every prescribed medicine. ## Can my mom take aricept and levothyroxine at the same time in the morning ## There is not real specific time it needs to be taken, Chon, but it should be taken as close to 24 hours apart, as possible. The FDA lists its typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, and hypotension. Isbelle, no, the Levothyroxine should be taken an hour before taking anything else. The FDA lists its typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, hair loss, weight changes, and mood changes. Is there anything I can help with?

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is anyone taking this with early demensia due to Parkinson's Disease? ## Did you mean Aricept? The FDA classifies it as a cognitive enhancing medication that is used to treat dementia, and Alzheimer's. Its typical side effects are listed as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, and weight loss. Can anyone that's taking it chime in with their experience on it?

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Both medications are prescribed at bedtime. How much time should I leave between taking the pills and which should I take first? ## Pharmacist said there is no noted interaction and the medications: Aricept and Levothyroxine may be taken at the same time. ## That is odd, usually Levothyroxine needs to be taken about an hour before you eat, or take any other medications. Most doctors prescribe it to be taken in the morning, before you eat breakfast, or take anything else. Have you double checked with your doctor? The FDA lists the typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, mood changes, and hair loss.

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Can Amytryptilene be used with Aricept? ## Hi Fiona, My findings state that there are in fact unsafe interactions between these two drugs. Quoted below are the precautions you should be aware of... Applies to: Amitriptyline & Aricept (donepezil) "GENERALLY AVOID: Due to opposing effects, agents that possess anticholinergic activity (e.g., sedating antihistamines; antispasmodics; neuroleptics; phenothiazines; skeletal muscle relaxants; tricyclic antidepressants; class IA antiarrhythmics especially disopyramide; carbamazepine; cimetidine; ranitidine) may negate the already small pharmacologic benefits of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of dementia. These agents may also adversely affect elderly patients in general. Clinically significant mental status changes asso...

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I have been taking aricept for almost 3 months. I have the regular side effects, night mares, insomnia, etc. However I woke up this morning and had a severe vaginal discharge. Also had it a week ago but assumed it was diarrhea. Apparently it wasnt. I had a hysterectomy 25 years ago and have never had any problems until now. Has anybody had this problem taking aricept? ## Hello, Amy! How are you? I'm sorry about the problem you're having. Since you've had a hysterectomy, you should definitely have this checked out by your doctor to be safe. The FDA lists the typical side effects of this medication as possibly including nausea, dizziness, nasal congestion and hot flashes. Are you on any other medications?

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My husband has been taking Aricept 10 mg at bedtime for a year. He had some initial nausea the next morning, but it subsided after he took his dosage earlier the evening before. His dosage has been increased to 10 mg am and pm and he is not tolerating the am dose very well as he's experiencing extreme nausea and vomiting. Would appreciate any suggestions for helping manage these symptoms or at least minimizing them. Thank you. ## Hello, Dmp1273! How are you? Has he tried taking it with food? Aricept can be taken with food, it doesn't have to be taken on an empty stomach, so that may help to minimize the nausea. If his doctor approves, he may also be able to take it with milk to help combat the nausea. The FDA lists its typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness...

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After taking my second 5mg pill at 8pm, I awoke at 4am with severe vomiting. 0ne to two time per hour for 8 hours. I had to go to an urgent care for medicine to stop the nausea. It's now the day after and I'm sore and uncomfortable. Seems pretty extreme for two pills. I have no problems with any other drugs. I will contact my Doctor tomorrow. Have you heard of any other experiences like mine? ## Hello, Tom! How are you feeling? I'm sorry about what you experienced. Yes, that is extreme. This medication can cause some nausea, as a side effect, but usually not so severely. It may also cause muscle cramps, loss of appetite and insomnia. So far, I've not seen other posts like yours, but I'll not claim to have read all the posts about this medication, since that isn't...

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is this for depression ? ## Hello, Poopsey! How are you? Aricept contains the active ingredient Donepezil, which is used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Side effects may include nausea, dizziness, diarrhea and anorexia. Is there anything else I can help with?

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My Dad has been taking 5m of Aricept for nine weeks now. Is there an automatic move to 10m or is it just if and when needed. We have been told both v ersions. ## Hello, Donna! How are you? It depends on his doctor, but in most cases it's done when needed. This medication may cause side effects, such s diarrhea, muscle cramps, nausea and insomnia. Is there anything else I can help with?

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My 79 yr old father has just been prescribed Aricept medication to assist in slowing down his short term memory loss & cognitive impairment. However is a very fit and healthy person other than his memory issues and we are concerned that the side effects of Aricept will actually cause his physical health to suffer. How long do the side effects last? would you recommend the use of Aricept? ## Hello, Melissa! How is your dad doing? What are his opinions on it? If he's cognizant enough to be able to make his own decision on it, then it is only right to let him do so. Most side effects only last about 4 to 6 weeks, while someone's body is getting used to a medication. The common ones for Aricept may include nausea, diarrhea, anorexia and abdominal pain.

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what kind of medication is Ancept ## Hello, Are you referring to Aricept (Donepezil)? If so, it is classified as a centrally acting reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor which is most commonly used for the palliative treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset. It has an oral bioavailability of 100% and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Because it has a half-life of about 70 hours, it can be taken once a day. You can learn more about this drug on the page for Aricept Details I hope this info helps!

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## I would like to hear from users of Avicept ## The medication is actually called Aricept and it's used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's, though it and most others haven't been shown to slow the progression, it can just relieve some symptoms to make people more comfortable. Side effects may include nausea, dizziness, stomach pain and flatulence. Are there any comments or questions?

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## I think the medication being asked about was actually Aricept, which is most commonly used for the palliative treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease. You can learn more Aricept details here. The most common side effects may include nausea, stomach pain and bloating. Are there any questions or comments? Is there anything I can help with?

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Are these safe to take together. Have had sore burning feet,stiff muscles ,high temperatures and terrible headaches. ## My findings state that there are potentially unsafe interactions that apply to Lexamil & Trazodone. Quoted below are the precautions you should be aware of: "Talk to your doctor before using lexamil (escitalopram) together with trazodone. Combining these medications can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You should contact your doc...

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Is there Any drug interaction between aricept and lidoderrm? Thanks ## I didn't find any interactions or problems listed between these two medications. In most cases, you really don't absorb much of the Lidocaine in the Lidoderm, since it's a topical treatment. Learn more Lidoderm details here. Learn more Aricept details here. However, you might want to check with your doctor, or pharmacist to be certain. Are there any other comments or questions? ## Thank you so much for your reply.

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Tablets for short term memory ## Did you mean to ask about the medication Aricept, which contains the active ingredient Donepezil? If so, it is a specialty drug that's used to help manage some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's and improve cognition. However, it has not been shown to help short term memory of those who do not suffer such a condition. Learn more Aricept details here.

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One professional suggested that the use of Aricept may be causing elevated stress for Mom (age 86) as she progresses through the stages of dementia. If we eliminate the Aricept, what changes could I expect? ## How long has she been taking it? It's really difficult to say, most medications like this aren't studied for such effects, but most do cause some rebound, which means her symptoms may worsen for awhile. She may also have some withdrawal effects, such as nausea and diarrhea. Did you ask the doctor about this?

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