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Does Aricept have anticholinergic effects?

by Bobbi Devlin

Does Aricept have anticholinergic effects?

These medications, such as donepezil (Aricept) work by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, which sends signals in the nervous system. By contrast, anticholinergics — such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and oxybutynin (Ditopan) — block the action of acetylcholine.

Do you need to taper Aricept?

The cholinesterase inhibitors should be slowly titrated to minimize side effects. Starting at the lowest dose and maintaining it for 4 weeks allows sufficient time for transient side effects to abate. Some patients may require a longer titration period.

What are the contraindications of donepezil?

Who should not take DONEPEZIL HCL?

  • neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a reaction characterized by fever, muscle rigidity and confusion.
  • atrioventricular block, a type of slow heart rhythm disorder.
  • sick sinus syndrome.
  • sinus bradycardia.
  • asthma.
  • stomach or intestinal ulcer.
  • bleeding of the stomach or intestines.

Is donepezil an anticholinergic?

Anticholinergic drugs can adversely affect cognition in elderly people, especially those with underlying dementia. In addition, anticholinergics may antagonize the effects of drugs such as donepezil, which are thought to improve cognition by enhancing cholinergic function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Can Aricept cause aggressive behavior?

Aggression. Some people taking Aricept may engage in aggressive behavior.

What anticholinergic drugs are linked to dementia?

There were significant increases in dementia risk for the anticholinergic antidepressants (adjusted OR [AOR], 1.29; 95% CI, 1.24-1.34), antiparkinson drugs (AOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.16-2.00), antipsychotics (AOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.53-1.90), bladder antimuscarinic drugs (AOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.56-1.75), and antiepileptic drugs …

How do I wean myself off Aricept?

What is the recommended discontinuation process?

  1. Begin discontinuation with one medication at a time (often patients are taking ChEI and a NMDA antagonist together)
  2. Taper the drug by decreasing the dose by half for two weeks and then stop.

Can donepezil 10 mg be cut in half?

Donepezil hydrochloride tablets can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed whole with water. Donepezil hydrochloride tablets should not be split or crushed.

What drugs should not be taken with Aricept?

Severe Interactions

  • QT PROLONGING AGENTS/HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE.
  • QT PROLONGING AGENTS/ANAGRELIDE.
  • QT PROLONGING AGENTS/DOMPERIDONE.
  • QT PROLONGING AGENTS/DRONEDARONE.
  • QT PROLONGING AGENTS/ARTEMETHER-LUMEFANTRINE.
  • QT PROLONGING AGENTS/DISOPYRAMIDE.
  • QT PROLONGING AGENTS/CISAPRIDE.
  • QT PROLONGING AGENTS/SERTINDOLE.

Which drugs are anticholinergics?

Anticholinergics are drugs that block the action of acetylcholine ….Examples of these drugs include:

  • atropine (Atropen)
  • belladonna alkaloids.
  • benztropine mesylate (Cogentin)
  • clidinium.
  • cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl)
  • darifenacin (Enablex)
  • dicylomine.
  • fesoterodine (Toviaz)

What is Aricept classified as?

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
Donepezil/Classification
Aricept contains the active drug donepezil, which is classified as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It’s used to treat dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Aricept is not a psychotropic drug. Psychotropic drugs are used to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

Why should you not take Aricept?

Aricept can cause stomach ulcers or bleeding as a side effect. Your risk is higher if you’ve had stomach ulcers or are taking NSAIDs. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).

Does Aricept really work?

Aricept Helps People With Moderate to Severe Alzheimer’s. Millions of people with early to moderate Alzheimer’s disease take drugs like Aricept (generic name donepezil), which are approved to help soften the symptoms of the disease early in its course.

Can I take my medicines with Aricept?

Ask the doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if any of your medicines are NSAIDs. Taking NSAIDs and Aricept together may make you more likely to get stomach ulcers. Aricept taken with certain medicines used for anesthesia may cause side effects. Tell the responsible doctor or dentist that you take Aricept before you have: surgery; medical procedures

Is Aricept covered by Medicare?

Aricept is a drug prescribed by a physician and may be covered by a Medicare Part D plan if you choose to enroll in prescription drug coverage.