Donep 5 mg contains Donepezil hydrochloride, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor most prescribed for treating Alzheimer’s disease. The active ingredient Donepezil is FDA approved for use in mild to moderate and severe Alzheimer’s disease. There is no evidence exists that shows the active pharmaceutical ingredient alters the progression of the disease. It can, however, make the condition better by improving cognition or behaviour. Donep is a well-tolerated drug that is generally safe, as demonstrated in the clinical trials. It has been shown that the medicine improves cognitive function in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

Donep is available as an orally disintegrating tablet that should be placed on your tongue and allow to dissolve before swallowing. You may take it with or without water. For mild to moderate dementia, the initial dose is 5 mg per day. The dose may increase slowly over four weeks as per your doctor’s recommendation. For moderate to severe dementia, discuss the correct dose with your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe a dose that suits your condition. No dose adjustment is required if you have kidney problems. If you have mild to moderate liver disease, your doctor may change your regular dosing regimen.

Your doctor will advise you how on how long you should continue to take medicine. You will need to check with your doctor regularly to review your condition and assess your symptoms. Do not consume more medicines than the doctor has prescribed you. Call your doctor straight away if you take more tablets than you should. Symptoms of an overdose include drooling, sweating, dizziness, slow heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, and seizures. If you stop taking the medication, the beneficial effects of Donep decreases gradually. You must not stop taking the medication even if you are feeling well unless your doctor tells you.

You must not consume alcohol while you are being treated with Donep medicine because it could reduce the effect of the Alzheimer drug. If you are pregnant or planning to conceive a baby, speak to your doctor for advice before taking the medication. The product should not be used while breastfeeding. Donepezil tablets may impair your inability to drive or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness, fatigue, and muscle cramps, especially during the initial days of the therapy; if affected, you must avoid driving or indulging in activities that require your complete focus.

Common side effects of Donep 5 mg are common cold, loss of appetite, itching, rash, fatigue, pain, muscle cramp, dizziness, vomiting, abdominal disturbance, urinary incontinence, sleeplessness, fainting, and hallucinations.

You must tell your doctor immediately if you notice serious side effects associated with the medication. You may need urgent medical help if you have liver damage, stomach or duodenal ulcers, bleeding in the stomach or intestines, muscle weakness, seizures, fever, with muscle stiffness.  Other common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhoea.