Donepezil Tablets

Donepezil Tablets come with the brand name “DEPNEX – 5” and belongs to the group of medicines called ‘anti-Alzheimer’s drug’, primarily indicated in the treatment of dementia of Alzheimer’s disease. In Alzheimer’s disease, the brain cells degenerate and die, which causes a gradual decline in behavioural and social skills and thinking ability (dementia), which affects a person’s ability to function independently. The signs include confusion, increasing memory loss, and behavioural changes.

Donepezil Tablets contain Donepezil which falls in the category of drugs called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. This drug increases the levels of a substance (acetylcholine) in the brain, which is involved in improving memory functioning by slowing down the breakdown of acetylcholine (a substance that allows nerves to communicate and is important for normal brain functioning).

Medical Benefits 

• This tablet is prescribed for treating the symptoms of dementia in persons having mild and moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease. 
• It works by helping the nerve cells communicate with each other by increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain. 
• It stops the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain, which is an important substance that is responsible for nerve communication. By doing so it helps a person to live a normal life.

Directions For Use 

• Take the tablet with or without food as advised by a doctor.
• Swallow Donepezil Tablets with a full glass of water.
• Do not crush, chew or break it.
• Your doctor will advise you how often you take your tablets on the basis of your medical condition. 

Storage 

• Store in a cool and dry place 
• Keep it away from sunlight.
• Keep out of the reach of children.

Precautions 

• Drugs that can interact with this composition include NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, and naproxen), antihistamines (Diphenhydramine), and so on.
• You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
• These tablets can only be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the unborn baby.

Side Effects of Donepezil Tablets  

• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Trouble in sleeping

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I drive after taking this medicine?

No, you should not drive after taking it as Alzheimer’s disease already affects a person’s ability to drive or operate machinery Also, this medicine causes in the body, so a person should perform these activities unless their doctor prescribes them to do so.

What is the food or drink that I need not take while taking this tablet?

Apart from consuming less alcohol a person can eat and drink normally while taking this medicine.

By mistake, I consumed an overdose of this composition, what to do?

You should immediately report to the doctor as an overdose of this medicine may make you sick, cause drooling, sweating, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, etc.

I am noticing an improvement in my situation, so can I stop taking this medication?

You should not stop taking the medicine unless told suggested by your doctor as it may make the benefits of your treatment will gradually fade away.

I am already taking Rifampicin, so can I take this medicine?

No, a person taking antibiotics (Rifampicin) is not allowed to take this medicine as it may cause serious drug interaction in the body and may weaken the effects of the medicine.