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What is Aricept
 Aricept
is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease
is associated with low levels of a chemical called acetylcholine
(ah see til KOH leen) in your brain. The exact way that Aricept
works is unknown. However, it is believed that Aricept prevents
the breakdown of acetylcholine in your brain.
Aricept
is used to improve thinking and memory in patients with Alzheimer's
disease.
Aricept
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Aricept
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Aricept may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Who should not take Aricept Before taking Aricept, tell your doctor if you
-
have kidney disease, including difficulty urinating;
-
have liver disease;
- have heart disease such as
a slow or irregular heartbeat;
- have a history of
stomach ulcers;
- take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin,
others), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin
(Daypro), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), ketorolac
(Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), and others, on a regular basis;
- have seizures or a history of seizures;
-
have lung problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD); or
- need to have surgery.
You may require a lower dose or special monitoring
during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed
above.
Aricept is in the FDA pregnancy category C.
This means that it is not known whether Aricept will harm
an unborn baby. Do not take Aricept without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not
known whether Aricept will harm a nursing infant. Do not
take Aricept without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Aricept Take Aricept exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Aricept can be taken
with or without food or milk.
Aricept is usually
taken once a day, at bedtime. Follow your doctor's directions.
Store Aricept at room temperature away from moisture
and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose,
skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed.
Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Aricept overdose include severe nausea, vomiting, watering
mouth, sweating, slow heartbeat, slow breathing, prolonged
or severe dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, seizures,
and collapse.
Avoid while taking Aricept Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Aricept may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Possible side effects of Aricept Stop taking Aricept and seek emergency medical attention
if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects
may also occur. Continue to take Aricept and talk to your
doctor if you experience
- drowsiness or dizziness;
- nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
-
abdominal pain or diarrhea;
- muscle cramps;
-
insomnia or vivid dreams; or
- dry mouth.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Aricept Before taking Aricept, tell your doctor if you are
taking any of the following medicines:
- ketoconazole
(Nizoral), fluconazole (Diflucan), or itraconazole (Sporanox);
- quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute, others);
- phenytoin (Dilantin);
- carbamazepine (Tegretol);
- dexamethasone (Decadron), methylprednisolone (Medrol),
prednisone (Deltasone, others), prednisolone (Prelone, Pediapred,
others), or another steroid;
- rifampin (Rifadin,
Rifamate, Rifater) or rifabutin (Mycobutin), or
-
phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), pentobarbital (Nembutal),
secobarbital (Seconal), or mephobarbital (Mebaral).
You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring
during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines
listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here
may also interact with Aricept. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines.
Where can I get more information Your pharmacist has more information about Aricept
written for health professionals that you may read.
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