Donepezil Hydrochloride: Indications And Warnings

Donepezil hydrochloride is the second most popular FDA-approved drug for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. However, there is no evidence that its continuous use can improve patients’ behavior, functional capacity, or quality of life at present. Nor does it slow down the development of this disease.

In any case , this drug has some advantages over other similar drugs out there. This is because Donepezil Hydrochloride has a simpler dosage and also an improved safety profile. There are no records of liver toxicity among users.

However, more clinical trials of longer duration are still needed to compensate for the lack of evidence for its health benefits. These should also answer the question of whether these health benefits are long lasting.

Alzheimer’s or dementia?

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, but there are others. This disease usually affects the elderly. Dementia is not a disease but part of a group of symptoms that impair memory, the ability to think and overall social skills. It significantly affects a person’s daily life.

Although Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, its cause is still unknown. Even without knowing the trigger, the researchers have noted that people affected by this disease have amyloid plagues and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain:

• Amyloid plaques are an accumulation of a protein known as “beta-amyloid”.

• Neurofibrillar tangles are a collection of fibrous proteins called “tau”.

Some people are genetically predisposed to this disease. However, there are other factors, such as age, Down syndrome, and severe cognitive impairment.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

As for symptoms, the following tend to occur:

• Memory loss
• Difficulty communicating, reasoning, planning and coordinating
• Confusion and disorientation
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Paranoia

The effects of Donepezil Hydrochloride in the body

Some drugs, including donepezil, known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, can delay the breakdown of a chemical known as acetylcholine. The way it works is that this substance is released in the synaptic space between one neuron and another, thus triggering neurotransmission.

If there is not enough acetylcholine in the brain, it does not work properly. Thus, individuals will feel the symptoms associated with this disease. In this way, Donepezil delays the breakdown of this substance by temporarily increasing its levels.

Also read: The Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Side effects of Donepezil Hydrochloride

This drug is relatively well tolerated. Most of its expected side effects are also temporary. Sometimes, however, other moderate or severe effects can also occur.

The side effects related to the cholinergic effect of the drug are the most likely, due to the withdrawal of treatment in the first 12 weeks. Overall, these are the most common:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Insomnia and parasomnia

Also read: How to detect signs of Alzheimer’s

Warnings and Precautions

Some people need to be especially careful when using this drug. This is because some people are hypersensitive to piperidine derivatives. Pregnant or lactating women should also stay away from this medicine.

This is mainly because there are still no results regarding its side effects.
Similarly, people with one of the following problems should also avoid taking this medication:

• Muscle soothing with succinylcholine
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Gastrointestinal disorders

• Urinary obstruction disorders
• Glaucoma
• Asthma or COPD

Conclusion on Donepezil Hydrochloride

Donepezil hydrochloride is a major advancement in the field of neurology. Therefore, it represents a significant improvement in the treatment of dementia related to Alzheimer’s. However, there is still much to investigate so that researchers can find the final cure for this disease.