Donepezil+memantine
About Donepezil+memantine
Donepezil+memantine is a combination drug containing a 'neurological medicine,' primarily used to treat Alzheimer's disease (memory loss). Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neuro disorder that affects the brain. It causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells (neurons) to die.
Donepezil+memantine is a combination medication containing Donepezil and Memantine, which treat Alzheimer’s disease. Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that works by preventing the breakdown of the chemical acetylcholine and improving the function of nerve cells in the brain. Memantine works by lowering the level of the chemical in the brain which is responsible to cause symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Together, both of them balance the levels of chemical messengers in the brain and help transmit nerve signals.
Take Donepezil+memantine as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Donepezil+memantine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending upon your medical condition. Preferably take it before just bedtime. In some cases, you may experience vomiting, weight loss, loss of appetite, dryness in the mouth, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, and headache. Most of these side effects of Donepezil+memantine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Donepezil+memantine may cause dizziness and sleepiness. So, do not drive a car or operate any machinery that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. Increase the intake of fluids to keep yourself hydrated while taking Donepezil+memantine as it may cause diarrhoea. Before using Donepezil+memantine, inform your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, stomach ulcers, epilepsy, or asthma.
Uses of Donepezil+memantine
Medicinal Benefits
Donepezil+memantine is a combination medication containing Donepezil and Memantine, which treat Alzheimer’s disease. It helps to slow down the progression of moderate to severe Alzheimer's by improving memory and thinking. It also increases the levels of a chemical messenger involved in the transmission of nerve signals. Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that works by improving the function of nerve cells in the brain by preventing the breakdown of the chemical acetylcholine. Memantine works by lowering the level of chemicals in the brain, which is responsible for causing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Together, they balance the levels of chemical messengers in the brain and help transmit nerve signals.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Donepezil+memantine
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Dryness in the mouth
- Dizziness
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Alzheimer's disease: It is a progressive neurologic disorder that affects the brain. It causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to die. One of the very common causes of Alzheimer's disease is dementia (memory loss), which affects the person's ability to function independently. Very early signs of the disease are forgetting recent events and conversations, and as the disease progresses, it can lead to severe memory impairment.
FAQs
Donepezil+memantine is a combination medication containing Donepezil and Memantine, which treat Alzheimer’s disease. Donepezil works by improving the function of nerve cells in the brain by preventing the breakdown of the chemical acetylcholine. Memantine works by lowering the level of chemicals in the brain, which is responsible for causing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Together, they balance the levels of chemical messengers in the brain and help transmit nerve signals.
No, it is recommended not to take Donepezil+memantine before s surgery as it contains Donepezil, which is a cholinesterase inhibitor and is likely to exaggerate muscle relaxation during anaesthesia. So, please inform your doctor before surgery if you are taking Donepezil+memantine as he might stop it &2 hours before undergoing surgery.
Yes, the use of Donepezil+memantine can cause diarrhoea. In some cases, the patient may experience diarrhoea. So, please increase the intake of fluids to avoid dehydration. And also do not take any other medicines without speaking to a doctor.
Yes, Donepezil+memantine is known to cause weight loss. So, while taking Donepezil+memantine, you should constantly monitor your body weight to avoid major weight loss.
Taking Donepezil+memantine in more than the recommended dose can cause unpleasant side-effects such as dizziness, tremor, agitation, convulsion, coma, nausea, vomiting, changes in heart rhythm, decreased blood pressure, and change in body fluid/salt balance.
Yes, Alzheimer's disease (memory loss) generally occurs in people who are elderly and aged. So, Donepezil+memantine is safe for the elderly population, but the dose should be given by a doctor depending upon any underlining disease condition you are suffering from. Also, never self medicate.
