Manufacturer: Alkem Laboratories Ltd
Salt Composition : Donepezil(23mg)
Strip of 10 Tablet Sr
(Inclusive of all taxes)
Your doctor will explain how to take Donep -SR 23 Tablet. You may take it with food, preferably at night before going to bed. Follow the instructions carefully to get the most benefit. The dose may change from time to time to suit your individual needs. It can take up to a few weeks for symptoms to improve so keep taking your medicine regularly. You should not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease occurs due to disturbances of signal transmission in the brain. Donep -SR 23 Tablet is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by increasing the levels of a chemical messenger (acetylcholine) involved in transmmission of nerve signals. This improves memory and thinking.
The pharmacokinetic disposition of donepezil was observed to be both linear and dose proportional following single-dose administration. The mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of donepezil was observed at 4.1±1.5 h. The mean terminal disposition half-life was 81.5±22.0 h.
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Donep
Nausea
Diarrhea
Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
Vomiting
Muscle cramp
Fatigue
Weight loss
low amount of magnesium in the blood.
low amount of potassium in the blood.
neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a reaction characterized by fever, muscle rigidity and confusion.
a heart attack.
heart attack within the last 30 days.
atrioventricular block, a type of slow heart rhythm disorder.
Donep -SR 23 Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Donep -SR 23 Tablet.
Donep -SR 23 Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Use with caution
Below 9years: Contraindicated
Donepezil is indicated for the treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Efficacy has been demonstrated in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer's disease.
bradycardia.
bronchospasm.
coronary artery disease.
parkinsonism.
PUD.
seizures.
hyperthyroidism.
hepatic dysfunction.
Do not chew, crush or break it. Donep -SR 23 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Store below 30°C
If you miss a dose of Donep -SR 23 Tablet, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
You have been prescribed Donep -SR 23 Tablet to slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
It does not cure Alzheimer's disease but may help improve brain function and ability to do daily activities.
Take it with or without food, preferably at night before going to bed.
It may cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated while taking Donep -SR 23 Tablet.
Monitor your body weight regularly as both Donep -SR 23 Tablet and Alzheimer's disease can cause weight loss.
Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how Donep -SR 23 Tablet affects you.
Be cautious while taking this medicine if you suffer from peptic ulcer as it may cause vomiting, stomach bleeding, stomach pain, or discomfort.
Inform your doctor if you develop muscle tremors, especially if you have Parkinson’s disease.
Inform your doctor if you experience seizures or convulsions while taking this medicine.
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Donep -SR 23 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Q. Why is Donep -SR 23 Tablet taken at night?
Donep -SR 23 Tablet is recommended to be taken before going to bed to reduce gastrointestinal side effects or nausea, which is commonly seen in some patients in the first few weeks of treatment.
Q. Do the gastrointestinal side effects due to Donep -SR 23 Tablet persist for a long time?
Gastrointestinal side effects may appear during the first few weeks of treatment with Donep -SR 23 Tablet. This can be minimized by taking Donep -SR 23 Tablet at bedtime and with food. Generally, these side effects are mild and disappear within a few weeks with continued treatment.
Q. How long does it take for Donep -SR 23 Tablet to start working?
Within the first month of treatment with Donep -SR 23 Tablet, you may experience improvement in thinking and remembering (cognitive effect). However, it may take about 12 weeks to see the full benefits.
Q. When should Donep -SR 23 Tablet be stopped?
Do not stop Donep -SR 23 Tablet without consulting your doctor. This medicine only helps to control your condition but does not cure it. Therefore, it may take several weeks to show benefits, so do not be discouraged if you do not see an improvement straight away. But, in case your condition starts worsening and you feel that it is no longer helping you, then you should consult a doctor before stopping it.
Q. For how long does Donep -SR 23 Tablet stay in your system?
Donep -SR 23 Tablet gets removed from the body very slowly. It takes about two weeks or more for Donep -SR 23 Tablet to be completely removed from the system.
Q. Does Donep -SR 23 Tablet cause depression?
No, Donep -SR 23 Tablet does not cause depression. If you are experiencing symptoms, then it could be due to existing Alzheimer’s disease.
Q. What if I take more than the prescribed dose of Donep -SR 23 Tablet?
Taking more than the recommended dose of Donep -SR 23 Tablet may cause vomiting, increased sweating or saliva production, slow heartbeat, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, seizures or fits, weakness, and inability to control your bowel motions or passing of urine (incontinence). You should seek immediate help from a doctor or emergency service of a nearby hospital.
Q. I have been taking indomethacin for arthritis. Can I take Donep -SR 23 Tablet?
Donep -SR 23 Tablet does not interfere with the working of indomethacin, but indomethacin individually increases the risk of stomach bleeding when taken for a long time. Therefore, if you experience any symptoms of stomach bleeding, consult your doctor immediately.
Q. Does Donep -SR 23 Tablet cause hallucinations?
Hallucinations are a common side effect of Donep -SR 23 Tablet, though not everyone is affected. Other common psychiatric side effects include agitation, aggressive behavior, nightmares, and abnormal dreams.
Q. Who should not take Donep -SR 23 Tablet?
Donep -SR 23 Tablet should not be taken by patients who have hypersensitivity to Donep -SR 23 Tablet hydrochloride, piperidine derivatives, or to any active ingredients used in the medicine. Also, it should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary.
Q. Can it cause insomnia?
Yes, insomnia (sleeplessness) is a common side effect of Donep -SR 23 Tablet. Dizziness and fainting can also be seen as common side effects. Though these side effects are common, they do not occur in everyone.