Donepezil: Treatment Topics And Warnings

Donepezil is a medicine used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is currently no evidence that it improves patient use, functioning, or quality of life, nor does it slow the progression of the disease.

In any case, this drug has certain advantages over other drugs. Its dosage is simpler and its safety has been greatly improved, as no hepatotoxicity has been observed in users at this time.

Still, more and longer-term clinical trials are needed to be sure of the benefits of the drug and the duration of these benefits in the treatment of this disease.

Alzheimer’s disease or dementia?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but not the only one. This disease usually occurs in older people. Dementia is not an independent disease, but one of many symptoms that impair memory, thinking, and social skills in general. It significantly impairs the patient’s daily life.

Although Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, its cause is still unknown. Amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangles are visible in the brains of patients.

• Amyloid plaque is an agglomeration of a protein known as beta-amyloid.
• Neurofibrillar nodes are a group of filamentous proteins called “tau”.

Some people have a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease, but there are other factors associated with its onset, such as age, Down syndrome, and severe cognitive impairment.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

In general, this disease causes the following symptoms:

• Memory impairment
• Difficulties in communication, reasoning, planning and coordination
• Confusion and confusion
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Paranoia

How does donepezil work in the body?

Some medicines known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil, can delay the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine. This substance is released in the synaptic state between two neurons so that neurotransmission is initiated. If there is not enough acetylcholine in the brain, the brain will not function properly and the patient will experience symptoms typical of Alzheimer’s disease. Donepezil slows down the breakdown of this substance, which temporarily increases its levels.

There is no cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease yet. Science can only slow the decline in cognitive abilities.

Donepezil: side effects

This drug is relatively well tolerated. Most of its expected side effects are temporary, but sometimes other, moderate or severe side effects may occur. Adverse reactions associated with the cholinergic effects of the drug are the most likely reason to discontinue the drug during the first 12 weeks. In general, the following symptoms are the most common:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Insomnia and parasomnia

Warnings

Some people need to be especially careful when taking this medicine. These people include those who are hypersensitive to piperidine derivatives or drug excipients. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should also not take this medicine, as its effects in these cases are not yet known.

Donepezil should also be avoided in the following circumstances:

• Muscle relaxation with succinylcholine
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Intestinal diseases
• Urinary disorders
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Asthma or COPD

Summary

Donepezil is a major step forward in the field of neurology. It represents a significant improvement in the treatment of dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Still, a lot of research is still needed to get closer to finding a definitive cure for this disease.

People who need donepezil should have a reliable and healthy loved one who can monitor their intake according to the dosage and instructions prescribed by their doctor.