Aricep (donepezil), like its very similarly-named counterpart Aricept, is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) used to help improve and retain cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease and a few other types of dementia.

The medication works by preserving the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which helps brain cells communicate with each other. Acetylcholine levels are often low in individuals who have dementia, though it's not the only factor contributing to symptoms.

Aricep provides benefit at all stages of the disease, from mild to severe. Patients with other major medical disorders may require modified dosing.

Aricep is often paired with Namenda (also available in extended release tablets) in treating Alzheimer's. Patients or caretakers for Alzheimer's patients may want to look into that treatment as well.

What Aricep Does

Aricep can provide tremendous benefit in helping patients retain their independence, reduce dependency on caretakers, retain their sense of self, and improve or preserve their ability to interact meaningfully with others.

Patients who take Aricep can expect to see some improvement in:

• Attention/focus
• Comprehension
• Memory
• Orientation
• Coordination
• Socializing
• Speaking/communicating
• Routine activities

Aricep also helps preserve the above for longer than would happen without the medication, often for years. Again improvements are often more enhanced when administered along with Namenda.

There will, unfortunately, come a time in which Aricep will no longer provide significant benefit. It is not a cure for dementia and only slows progression of the disease.

Taking Aricep

Aricep comes in tablets of 5 mg or 10 mg strength. Tablets are usually taken once per day, in the evening before bed, regardless of dosage amount. Food is optional; those who experience nausea or other stomach issues after taking a dose may benefit from food.

Dosage usually starts low, gradually increased if no serious complications develop. Dosage will vary to some degree according to the condition's severity. Some individuals who have other major medical disorders may require limited dosing; a doctor will be able to take other conditions into consideration.

Treatment is typically:

• Start with 5 mg once per day, for 4 to 6 weeks.
• After 4 to 6 weeks, provided no serious side effects have developed, dosage may be increased to 10 mg per day, for at least 3 months.
• After 3 months, dosage may be increased up to 23 mg per day. This is usually only needed in severe cases.
• Doses should always be taken in the evening, shortly before bed.
• Doses may be taken with or without food according to personal preference.
• Treatment may continue for as long as it provides benefit and no complications develop.

It can take several weeks after starting treatment to notice significant improvements, which is why there is such a wait between dosage increases. Waiting also allows the body time to adjust to smaller doses, minimizing adverse effects. Patients or caretakers administering Aricep are advised to wait at least 6 weeks before making a judgement on the medication's effectiveness, assuming no serious side effects develop.

For unclear reasons some individuals do not respond significantly to Aricep. If the medication does not seem to be providing benefit a doctor should be consulted. Likewise, even if Aricep does provide benefit for a time, eventually it will no longer do so; again a doctor should be consulted.

Adverse Reactions

Certain individuals are at increased risk of severe side effects from Aricep. Discuss risks carefully with a doctor if there is a history of:

• Liver or kidney impairment
• Any heart condition
• Difficulty urinating
• Asthma, COPD, or other chronic respiratory ailments
• Lack of appetite or major weight loss
• Stomach ulcers
• Seizures

The above don't necessarily exclude Aricep use; with modified dosing, patients or caretakers may simply need to be more alert for warning signs.

Aricep is typically safe if used as directed. Most side effects are mild and transient, including:

• Stomach upset
• Appetite loss
• Diarrhea
• Muscle pain
• Drowsiness
• Difficulty sleeping

Aricep is known to interact with some other medications, including many widely-available over-the-counter treatments like NSAIDs and cough syrups. Check with a doctor before taking other medications with Aricep.