Aricept

Other Names: Donepezil

Commonly Prescribed For: Aricept is generally prescribed for treating dementia (a brain disorder which affects the ability to communicate and remember things, and leads to changes in mood) associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

How to Take it: Aricept is available in the form of a tablet to be taken via mouth. This medication is normally taken once every day at bedtime, either with food or without food. Take Aricept as prescribed, around the same time daily.

How it Works: Aricept belongs to a class of drugs known as cholinesterase inhibitors. It works by improving memory function and increases the quantity a natural substance present in the brain. Aricept is said to improve the ability to remember things and retards the loss of such abilities in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Some Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, itchy skin, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, diarrhea, abnormal dreams, loss of appetite, changes in behavior, weight loss, confusion, frequent urination, depression, frequent urination, nervousness, muscle cramps, dizziness, excessive tiredness, bruising of the skin, drowsiness and headache. Some serious side effects include fainting, seizures, slow heartbeat, fever, chest pain, and lower back pain, black or tarry stools, difficulty urinating, bloody tools, and inability to control urination.