donepezil
The FDA approved Aripcept (Donepezil) for generic sale in 2009.
I would contact your vet to ask what to do. I hope I helped, Shirdiemere.
donepezil
Aricept is a brand name medication that contains the active ingredient donepezil. It is commonly used to help improve cognitive function and slow down the progression of symptoms in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Aricept works by increasing levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, of course! These include ambinonium (Mytelase), physostigmine, neostigmine (Prostigmin, Vagostigmin), galantamine (Razadyne, Reminyl, Nivalin), pyridostigmine, Tacrin (Cognex), donepezil (Aricept), edrophonium (Tensilon, Enlon, Reversol) and rivastigmine (Exelon), and others.
Donepezil hydrochloride (donepezil HCI) is and inhibitor used to treat and improve cognition in patients with vascular dementia and Alzhemimer's. Donepezil HCI is most commonly used with Alzheimer's patients. But it is also, used with patients with vascular dementia. This medication is most beneficial for those with mild to moderate vascular dementia, but it is also helpful for those with severe dementia. Donepezil HCI has a positive impact on the flow of blood in the brain, thereby assisting with concentration and memory deficits. This drug can cause possible side effects appetite loss, diarrhea, muscle cramps, fatigue, sleeping disturbance, hallucinations and vomiting.Vascular Dementia (VaD) is due to a loss in the brain function; behavioral, comprehension, intellectual impairment, judgment, language, memory, mental functions, motor symptoms, reasoning, thinking, and they can also develop exaggerated neurological symptoms, such as exaggerated balance issues causing swaying and falling, arm or leg reflexes, and exaggerated steps when attempting to walk.Vascular dementia impairment is the second most common disorder and similar to Alzheimer's disease. But its impairment can come on more suddenly than Alzheimer's, however it can also come on slowly; this disorder comes on quickly, it is progressive, with worsening cognitive functions and memory. The cause is due to the reduced flow of blood inside the brain, generally due to a mini-stroke, stroke, or a series of strokes. The extent of VaD varies depending on the part of the brain affect due to lack of blood flow. There are times when a person with VaD can experience extended period with no noticeable changes in their symptoms.SOME OTHER USES: On and off label -- brain trauma; auditory and visual issues; Lewy body dementia; autism; down syndrome; stroke patients (without dementia); menstruation issues; diuretic; intestinal angioedema; mild traumatic brain injury; hyperactivity disorder; and behavioral disorders.
When Aricept (donepezil) is stopped, the cognitive benefits it provides may gradually decline, and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease may worsen over time. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before discontinuing Aricept, as they can provide guidance on tapering off the medication and discuss alternative treatment options.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors help to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter which functions suboptimally in dementia of the Alzheimer's type (Aricept and others). Also, NMDA receptor antagonists help to promote excitatory neurotransmitter function (Namenda).
There is no cure for Alzheimers disease (AD) yet. The only treatment for AD is trying to slow the progression. There are few medicines to help AD patients, wich include Memantine and Donepezil. Other medicines taken if one is having AD, are usually used to treat different kinds of symptoms, such as dangerous behavior or agitation.
Direct acting cholinergic drugs directly bind to and activate cholinergic receptors, while indirect acting cholinergic drugs increase cholinergic activity by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine. Direct acting drugs include bethanechol and pilocarpine, while indirect acting drugs include donepezil and physostigmine.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's Disease. However, there are drug and drug-free treatments that can help with the symptoms. The medications that are currently used are from a class of medicines called cholinesterase. Three inhibitors are currently FDA approved; donepezil, Rivastigmine, and galantamine. These medicines work by preventing the breakdown of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine. There are also some treatments that focus on the behavioral and psychiatric symptoms related to the disease.