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It is a prescription medicine brand of Donepezil, marketed under the trade name Aricept by its developer Eisai and partner Pfizer, is a centrally acting reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It is usually prescribed for Alzheimer's symptoms.

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Will aricept get you high?

No, Aricept (donepezil) is a medication used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. It is not known to cause a "high" feeling, and it should only be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional to manage cognitive symptoms associated with these conditions. Abusing or misusing Aricept can have serious health consequences.


What happens when aricept is stopped?

When Aricept (donepezil) is stopped, the cognitive benefits it provides may gradually decline, and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease may worsen over time. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before discontinuing Aricept, as they can provide guidance on tapering off the medication and discuss alternative treatment options.


How does Aricept work?

One of the main problems in Alzheimers disease is a decrease in acetylcholine, a neurotransmittor. Aricept blocks an enzyme called acetylcholine esterase from breaking down acetylcholine so that the available neurotransmittor can work for a longer period of time.


Dementia?

DefinitionDementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior.See also: Alzheimer's diseaseAlternative NamesChronic brain syndrome; Lewy body dementia; DLB; Vascular dementia; Mild cognitive impairment; MCICauses, incidence, and risk factorsMost types of dementia are nonreversible (degenerative). Nonreversible means the changes in the brain that are causing the dementia cannot be stopped or turned back. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia.Lewy body disease is a leading cause of dementia in elderly adults. People with this condition have abnormal protein structures in certain areas of the brain.Dementia also can be due to many small strokes. This is called vascular dementia.The following medical conditions also can lead to dementia:Parkinson's diseaseMultiple sclerosisHuntington's diseasePick's diseaseProgressive supranuclear palsyInfections that can affect the brain, such as HIV/AIDS and Lyme diseaseSome causes of dementia may be stopped or reversed if they are found soon enough, including:Brain tumorsChanges in blood sugar, sodium, and calcium levels (see: Dementia due to metabolic causes)Low vitamin B12levelsNormal pressure hydrocephalusUse of certain medications, including cimetadine and some cholesterol-lowering medicationsChronic alcohol abuseDementia usually occurs in older age. It is rare in people under age 60. The risk for dementia increases as a person gets older.SymptomsDementia symptoms include difficulty with many areas of mental function, including:LanguageMemoryPerceptionEmotional behavior or personalityCognitive skills (such as calculation, abstract thinking, or judgment)Dementia usually first appears as forgetfulness.Mild cognitive impairment is the stage between normal forgetfulness due to aging and the development of dementia. People with MCI have mild problems with thinking and memory that do not interfere with everyday activities. They are often aware of the forgetfulness. Not everyone with MCI develops dementia.Symptoms of MCI include:Forgetting recent events or conversationsDifficulty performing more than one task at a timeDifficulty solving problemsTaking longer to perform more difficult mental activitiesThe early symptoms of dementia can include:Language problems, such as trouble finding the name of familiar objectsMisplacing itemsGetting lost on familiar routesPersonality changes and loss of social skillsLosing interest in things you previously enjoyed, flat moodDifficulty performing tasks that take some thought, but that used to come easily, such as balancing a checkbook, playing games (such as bridge), and learning new information or routinesAs the dementia becomes worse, symptoms are more obvious and interfere with the ability to take care of yourself. The symptoms may include:Forgetting details about current eventsForgetting events in your own life history, losing awareness of who you areChange in sleep patterns, often waking up at nightMore difficulty reading or writingPoor judgment and loss of ability to recognize dangerUsing the wrong word, not pronouncing words correctly, speaking in confusing sentencesWithdrawing from social contactHaving hallucinations, arguments, striking out, and violent behaviorHaving delusions, depression, agitationDifficulty doing basic tasks, such as preparing meals, choosing proper clothing, or drivingPeople with severe dementia can no longer:Understand languageRecognize family membersPerform basic activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, and bathingOther symptoms that may occur with dementia:IncontinenceSwallowing problemsSigns and testsDementia can often be diagnosed with a history and physical exam by a skilled doctor or nurse. A health care provider will take a history, do a physical exam (including a neurological exam), and perform some tests of mental function called a mental status examination.The health care provider may order tests to help determine whether other problems could be causing dementia or making it worse. These conditions include:Thyroid diseaseVitamin deficiencyBrain tumorIntoxication from medicationsChronic infectionAnemiaSevere depressionThe following tests and procedures may be done:B12 levelBlood ammonialevelsBlood chemistry (chem-20)Blood gas analysisCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysisDrug or alcohol levels (toxicology screen)Tests for exposure to metals such as lead or arsenicElectroencephalograph(EEG)Glucose testHead CTLiver function testsMental status testMRI of headSerum calciumSerum electrolytesThyroid function testsThyroid stimulating hormone levelUrinalysisTreatmentFor information on how to take care of a loved one with dementia, see: Dementia - home careThe goal of treatment is to control the symptoms of dementia. Treatment depends on the condition causing the dementia. Some people may need to stay in the hospital for a short time.Stopping or changing medications that make confusion worse may improve brain function.There is growing evidence that some kinds of mental exercises can help dementia.Treating conditions that can lead to confusion often greatly improve mental functioning. Such conditions include:AnemiaDecreased oxygen (hypoxia)DepressionHeart failureInfectionsNutritional disordersThyroid disordersMedications may be needed to control behavior problems caused by a loss of judgement, increased impulsivity, and confusion. Possible medications include:Antipsychotics (haloperidol, risperdal, olanzapine)Mood stabilizers (fluoxetine, imipramine, citalopram)Serotonin-affecting drugs (trazodone, buspirone)Stimulants (methylphenidate)Certain drugs may be used to slow the rate at which symptoms worsen. The benefit from these drugs is often small, and patients and their families may not always notice much of a change.Donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), galantamine (Razadyne, formerly called Reminyl)Memantine (Namenda)A person's eyes and ears should be checked regularly. Hearing aids, glasses, or cataract surgery may be needed.Psychotherapy or group therapy usually does not help because it may cause more confusion.Expectations (prognosis)People with mild cognitive impairment do not always develop dementia. However, when dementia does occur, it usually gets worse and often decreases quality of life and lifespan.ComplicationsComplications depend on the cause of the dementia, but may include the following:Abuse by an overstressed caregiverIncreased infections anywhere in the bodyLoss of ability to function or care for selfLoss of ability to interactReduced lifespanSide effects of medications used to treat the disorderCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if:Dementia develops or a sudden change in mental statusoccursThe condition of a person with dementia gets worseYou are unable to care for a person with dementia at homePreventionMost causes of dementia are not preventable.You can reduce the risk of vascular dementia, which is caused by a series of small strokes, by quitting smoking and controlling high blood pressure and diabetes. Eating a low-fat diet and exercising regularly may also reduce the risk of vascular dementia.ReferencesBrewer JB, Gabrieli JDE, Preston AR, Vaidya CJ, Rosen AC. Memory. In: Goetz CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 5.Farlow MR, Cummings JL. Effective pharmacologic management of Alzheimer's disease. Am J Med, 2007;120:388-397.Burns A, Iliffe S. Alzheimer's disease. BMJ. 2009;338:b158.doi:10.1136/bmj.b158.


Related Questions

Is aricept an MAOI?

no


Is aricept a psychotropic?

No


Is aricept a psychotropic drug?

No


Is it ok to take Ambien with aricept?

Ambien is for sleep, Aricept is for early Alzheimer's. Their are no drug interactions in taking the two together.


Can you take aricept with xanax?

yes


Is aricept an opioid?

No it is a drug to help people with dementia.


Will aricept get you high?

No, Aricept (donepezil) is a medication used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. It is not known to cause a "high" feeling, and it should only be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional to manage cognitive symptoms associated with these conditions. Abusing or misusing Aricept can have serious health consequences.


What are Cognex and aricept are drugs used to treat?

Alzheimer's disease


Does Aricept medication affect renal function?

So far, no evidence has been shown that Aricept causes impairment to the kidneys, nor has it been shown to worsen existing renal impairment.


What happens when aricept is stopped?

When Aricept (donepezil) is stopped, the cognitive benefits it provides may gradually decline, and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease may worsen over time. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before discontinuing Aricept, as they can provide guidance on tapering off the medication and discuss alternative treatment options.


How does Aricept work?

One of the main problems in Alzheimers disease is a decrease in acetylcholine, a neurotransmittor. Aricept blocks an enzyme called acetylcholine esterase from breaking down acetylcholine so that the available neurotransmittor can work for a longer period of time.


How much do 5 mg Aricept Tabs cost at Walmart?

Type your answer here... 5.00