donice (DONEPEZIL)

What is Donice?

Donice is a medication used to treat Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It works by increasing acetylcholine in the brain, helping with memory and thinking. It manages symptoms but does not cure dementia.

How do I take Donice?

You can take Donice hydrochloride tablets with or without food. It doesn't matter if you take it with food or not.

For how long do I take Donice?

Donice is typically used for the long term in treating Alzheimer's disease, often for several months to years . Initial treatment usually starts at 5 mg daily, which can be increased to 10 mg after a few weeks. Some patients may continue using Donice effectively for few years , depending on individual response and tolerance. 

What disease or symptom is Donice used for?

Donice hydrochloride tablets are a medication used to treat people with dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. It helps to improve symptoms like memory loss, confusion, and difficulty thinking.

How long does it take for Donice to start working?

Donice may take several weeks to show noticeable improvements in symptoms like memory and cognition. Full effects can take 6-12 weeks or longer, depending on the individual. It's important to continue taking it as prescribed and follow up with your doctor.

Is Donice effective?

Donice hydrochloride is a medication that can help improve memory and thinking in people with certain types of dementia. In this study, people taking Donice hydrochloride showed significant improvement in their cognitive performance, as measured by the Severe Impairment Battery (SIB), compared to people taking a placebo.

How do I know if Donice is working?

To assess the effectiveness of Donice hydrochloride, a two-part evaluation strategy is used. **Part 1: Cognitive Function** * The cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog) is used to measure cognitive function, such as memory, thinking, and language skills. **Part 2: Overall Function** * Caregivers provide their assessment of the patient's overall function, including daily living activities and social behavior, using the Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change (CIBIC-plus).

How does Donice work?

Donice works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that is involved in memory and learning. In Alzheimer's disease, acetylcholine levels are lower, so Donice helps improve communication between brain cells, which can improve memory, thinking, and daily function.

Who should avoid taking Donice?

Donice should be avoided by individuals who:

1. Are allergic to Donice or any of its ingredients.
2. Have a history of heart problems, especially slow heart rate or irregular heartbeat.
3. Have stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal issues.
4. Have a history of seizures or other neurological disorders.

Always consult a doctor before starting Donice, especially if you have any of these conditions.

Can I take Donice with other prescription drugs?

Some medicines can affect how Donice works. Ketoconazole and quinidine can slow down the breakdown of Donice in the body, which can lead to higher levels of Donice in the body. The effects of this are not fully understood.

Can Donice be taken safely while pregnant?

There is no information on whether Donice hydrochloride tablets can harm an unborn baby during pregnancy. Studies in animals have not shown developmental problems when the medicine was given during pregnancy. However, giving the medicine to rats during the last part of pregnancy and while nursing resulted in more stillbirths and fewer surviving offspring. This occurred at doses similar to those used in humans.

Can Donice be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Information on Donice, a medication, and breastfeeding is limited. While there is no data on the presence of Donice in breast milk or its effects on the baby, the benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed against any potential risks. The mother's need for the medication and her overall health should also be considered.

Is Donice safe for the elderly?

Donice has not been proven safe or effective for children. For adults over 65, the starting dose is 5 mg daily in the evening. After 4-6 weeks, the dose can be increased to 10 mg daily if tolerated. Nausea and vomiting are more common at the 10 mg dose. Monitor closely after starting or increasing the dose. Bradycardia (slow heart rate), heart block, and fainting are possible side effects, particularly for those with heart problems. Report fainting immediately.

How should I store Donice?

Keep the product in a cool place, between 68° and 77° Fahrenheit.

Does Donice make people tired or drowsy?

Yes, fatigue is a reported side effect of Donice, occurring in 5% of patients taking the 10 mg dose, compared to 3% in the placebo group. If you feel excessively tired, speak with your healthcare provider to discuss possible adjustments or supportive care.

Does Donice cause stomach upset?

Yes, Donice frequently causes gastrointestinal issues such as nausea (11%), diarrhea (10%), and vomiting (5%) at the 10 mg dose. These side effects are often transient. If symptoms persist or are severe, contact your healthcare provider.

Does Donice affect sleep?

Yes, insomnia is reported in 9% of patients on the 10 mg dose. If you experience disrupted sleep, consult your doctor for potential remedies or adjustments in dosing time.

Does Donice make it hard to think or concentrate?

Donice may cause cognitive side effects like confusion or dizziness, but these are less frequent (approximately 2%). If you notice significant cognitive impairment, contact your healthcare provider.

Does Donice affect mood?

Mood changes, including depression, are reported in about 3% of patients. If mood swings or anxiety occur, notify your healthcare provider for evaluation.

Does Donice interfere with sexual function?

There is no specifically mention sexual side effects for Donice. If you experience such issues, consult your healthcare provider.

Does Donice affect appetite?

Donice hydrochloride may cause a loss of appetite. In studies, 4% of people taking Donice hydrochloride lost their appetite, compared to 2% of people taking a placebo (a pill with no medicine). If you experience a change in appetite while taking Donice hydrochloride, talk to your doctor.

Does Donice cause weight gain?

Weight loss is more commonly associated with Donice, reported in 3% of cases. Significant weight changes should be discussed with your doctor.

Does Donice cause headaches?

Donice hydrochloride tablets don't usually cause headaches. However, if you get a headache while taking them, talk to your doctor.

Does Donice limit driving?

Donice hydrochloride, a medication used to treat Alzheimer's disease, can cause fainting, especially in people with heart problems. If you experience fainting while taking this medication, stop driving immediately and call your doctor.

What are Donice possible harms and risks?

Some common side effects of this medicine include diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, and bruising. These side effects usually go away after a while and don't require any changes to the dosage. However, about 13% of patients who started with a lower dose and gradually increased to a higher dose had to stop taking the medicine because of side effects. The most common side effects that led to patients stopping the medicine were loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections.