Donepezil 5mg

Donepezil 5mg — Uses and Benefits

Donepezil 5mg is used mainly to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease
• Moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease (sometimes as part of combination treatment)
• Helping improve memory, awareness, and ability to carry out daily activities in people with Alzheimer's disease

HOW IT WORKS

• It blocks the breakdown of a brain chemical called acetylcholine
• This increases the amount of acetylcholine available in the brain
• Higher acetylcholine levels help improve communication between nerve cells involved in memory and learning

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It does not cure Alzheimer's disease
• It does not reverse damage already caused to brain cells
• It is not used for general memory loss unrelated to Alzheimer's disease
• It is not a treatment for other types of dementia unless specifically advised by your doctor

How to Use Donepezil 5mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor
• It is usually taken once a day, in the evening, shortly before going to bed
• Swallow the tablet with a glass of water; it can be taken with or without food
• Do not crush or chew unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to
• Do not stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor, even if you feel no immediate improvement

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember on the same day
• If you miss it for more than a day or two, do not double the dose — contact your doctor for advice before restarting
• Never take two doses together to make up for a missed one

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep the medicine out of reach of children
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink
• Discard expired medicine safely, do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Donepezil 5mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Difficulty sleeping or vivid dreams
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Skin rash
• Frequent urination
• Bruising

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Slow or irregular heartbeat
• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Signs of stomach bleeding, such as black stools or vomiting blood
• Seizures (fits)
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (signs of liver problems)
• Severe allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Donepezil 5mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India. Do not use it without medical supervision.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to donepezil or any of its ingredients
• Have had a serious reaction to similar medicines in the past

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have a history of heart rhythm problems or slow heartbeat
• Have a history of stomach ulcers or are at risk of bleeding
• Have asthma or breathing problems such as COPD
• Have had seizures or fits in the past
• Have liver or kidney problems
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Are going to have surgery or anaesthesia soon

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other medicines that affect heart rhythm
• NSAIDs or painkillers that increase risk of stomach bleeding
• Muscle relaxants used during anaesthesia
• Other medicines affecting acetylcholine levels
• Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are taking

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can this medicine cure Alzheimer's disease?

No, it only helps manage symptoms and slow their progression; it does not cure the disease.

How long does it take to show effect?

It may take several weeks of regular use before any noticeable improvement in symptoms is seen.

Can I stop taking it once I feel better?

• No, you should not stop without consulting your doctor, as stopping suddenly may worsen symptoms.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.