Arizex 5 Tablet
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Consern Pharma Limited |
| Active Ingredient | Donepezil (5mg) |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Chemical Class | Carbamate Derivative |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | NEURO CNS |
| Action Class | Cholinesterase inhibitors - Alzheimer's disease |
| User Rating | 4.4 |
| User Reviews | 477 |
FAQ
I have been taking indomethacin for arthritis. Can I take Arizex 5?
Arizex 5 does not interfere with the working of indomethacin, but indomethacin individually increases the risk of stomach bleeding when taken for a long time. Therefore, if you experience any symptoms of stomach bleeding, consult your doctor immediately.
Does Arizex 5 cause hallucinations?
Hallucinations are a common side effect of Arizex 5, though not everyone is affected. Other common psychiatric side effects include agitation, aggressive behavior, nightmares, and abnormal dreams.
Why is Arizex 5 taken at night?
Arizex 5 is recommended to be taken before going to bed to reduce gastrointestinal side effects or nausea, which is commonly seen in some patients in the first few weeks of treatment.
For how long does Arizex 5 stay in your system?
Arizex 5 gets removed from the body very slowly. It takes about two weeks or more for Arizex 5 to be completely removed from the system.
Do the gastrointestinal side effects due to Arizex 5 persist for a long time?
Gastrointestinal side effects may appear during the first few weeks of treatment with Arizex 5. This can be minimized by taking Arizex 5 at bedtime and with food. Generally, these side effects are mild and disappear within a few weeks with continued treatment.
How long does it take for Arizex 5 to start working?
Within the first month of treatment with Arizex 5, you may experience improvement in thinking and remembering (cognitive effect). However, it may take about 12 weeks to see the full benefits.
What if I take more than the prescribed dose of Arizex 5?
Taking more than the recommended dose of Arizex 5 may cause vomiting, increased sweating or saliva production, slow heartbeat, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, seizures or fits, weakness, low blood pressure, convulsions, and inability to control your bowel motions or passing of urine (incontinence). You should seek immediate help from a doctor or emergency service of a nearby hospital.
Does Arizex 5 cause depression?
No, Arizex 5 does not cause depression. If you are experiencing symptoms, then it could be due to existing Alzheimer’s disease.
Who should not take Arizex 5?
Arizex 5 should not be taken by patients who have hypersensitivity to Arizex 5 hydrochloride, piperidine derivatives, or to any active ingredients used in the medicine. Also, it should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary.
Can it cause insomnia?
Yes, insomnia (sleeplessness) is a common side effect of Arizex 5. Dizziness and fainting can also be seen as common side effects. Though these side effects are common, they do not occur in everyone.
When should Arizex 5 be stopped?
Do not stop Arizex 5 without consulting your doctor. This medicine only helps to control your condition but does not cure it. Therefore, it may take several weeks to show benefits, so do not be discouraged if you do not see an improvement straight away. But, in case your condition starts worsening and you feel that it is no longer helping you, then you should consult a doctor before stopping it.
What if you forget to take Arizex Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Arizex 5, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.\n
Arizex 5 Tablet Reviews
Arizex 5 is used to treat mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive illness that gradually affects memory and thinking. It does not cure this illness but may help improve memory, awareness, and other symptoms.
Your doctor will explain how to take Arizex 5. You may take it with food, preferably at night before going to bed. Follow the instructions carefully to get the most benefit. The dose may change from time to time to suit your individual needs. It can take up to a few weeks for symptoms to improve so keep taking your medicine regularly. You should not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Some common side effects of this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue, weight loss (anorexia), headache, loss of appetite, common cold, urinary incontinence, and rash. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. You may have side effects more often when you start your treatment or when your dose is increased. Usually, the side effects will slowly go away as your body gets used to the Arizex 5. If they are severe or will not go away, you should contact your doctor.
Before using Arizex 5, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, stomach ulcers, epilepsy, or asthma. It may also affect, or be affected by, some other drugs you are using so let your doctor know what these are to be safe. During pregnancy, this medicine should only be taken if it is advised.
Your doctor will explain how to take Arizex 5. You may take it with food, preferably at night before going to bed. Follow the instructions carefully to get the most benefit. The dose may change from time to time to suit your individual needs. It can take up to a few weeks for symptoms to improve so keep taking your medicine regularly. You should not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Some common side effects of this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue, weight loss (anorexia), headache, loss of appetite, common cold, urinary incontinence, and rash. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. You may have side effects more often when you start your treatment or when your dose is increased. Usually, the side effects will slowly go away as your body gets used to the Arizex 5. If they are severe or will not go away, you should contact your doctor.
Before using Arizex 5, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, stomach ulcers, epilepsy, or asthma. It may also affect, or be affected by, some other drugs you are using so let your doctor know what these are to be safe. During pregnancy, this medicine should only be taken if it is advised.
How Arizex 5 Tablet Works
Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease occurs due to disturbances of signal transmission in the brain. Arizex 5 is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by increasing the levels of a chemical messenger (acetylcholine) involved in transmmission of nerve signals. This improves memory and thinking.
How to Use Arizex 5 Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Arizex 5 may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Benefits of Arizex 5 Tablet
- In Alzheimer's disease: In people with Alzheimer’s disease, certain nerve cells die in the brain. This results in lower levels of a chemical called acetylcholine which helps nerve cells to communicate with each other. This leads to symptoms of dementia such as memory loss, confusion, disorientation, problems with speech and language, and personality changes. Arizex 5 increases the amount of acetylcholine and helps brain cells to communicate. It can, therefore, improve some of the symptoms such as memory, awareness, and the ability to carry out daily functions for a time. However, it is not a cure. You should use the medicine exactly as prescribed. It can take several weeks for your symptoms to improve; so keep using the medicine even if you do not think it is working.
Uses of Arizex 5 Tablet
- Alzheimer's disease
Arizex 5 Tablet Side Effects
Safety Tips
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Arizex 5 is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Arizex 5 may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Arizex 5.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Arizex 5 may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Arizex 5 is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Liver
CAUTION
Arizex 5 should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Arizex 5 may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
UNSAFE
Arizex 5 may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Quick Tips
- Take it with or without food, preferably at night before going to bed.
- Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how Arizex 5 affects you.
- Be cautious while taking this medicine if you suffer from peptic ulcer as it may cause vomiting, stomach bleeding, stomach pain, or discomfort.
- Monitor your body weight regularly as both Arizex 5 and Alzheimer's disease can cause weight loss.
- You have been prescribed Arizex 5 to slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
- Inform your doctor if you develop muscle tremors, especially if you have Parkinson’s disease.
- It may cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated while taking Arizex 5.
- Inform your doctor if you experience seizures or convulsions while taking this medicine.
- It does not cure Alzheimer's disease but may help improve brain function and ability to do daily activities.
References
- Donepezil Hydrochloride [Summary of Product Characteristics]. Dublin, Ireland: Pfizer Healthcare Ireland; 2023.
- Donepezil hydrochloride. South Ruislip, UK: Aurobindo Pharma - Milpharm Ltd.; 2013 [revised 23 Nov. 2017]
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 426-27.
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- Donepezil hydrochloride. Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey: Eisai Inc.; 1996 [revised Feb. 2012].
- Donepezil hydrochloride [Prescribing Information]. Mahabubnagar, Telangana: Hetero Labs Limited; 2023.
- Donepezil. Hatfield, Hertfordshire: Eisai Ltd.; 1997 [revised 11 May 2018].
- Stahl SM, editor. Donepezil. In: Stahl's Essential Pschopharmacology: Prescriber's Guide. 5th ed. New York, New York: Cambridge University Press; 2014. pp. 199-202.