Donex 5mg Tablet
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Axis Life Science Pvt Ltd |
| 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 | 4.3 |
| User Reviews | 380 |
FAQ
I have been taking indomethacin for arthritis. Can I take Donex 5mg?
Donex 5mg 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.
What if I take more than the prescribed dose of Donex 5mg?
Taking more than the recommended dose of Donex 5mg 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.
Why is Donex 5mg taken at night?
Donex 5mg 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.
Does Donex 5mg cause hallucinations?
Hallucinations are a common side effect of Donex 5mg, though not everyone is affected. Other common psychiatric side effects include agitation, aggressive behavior, nightmares, and abnormal dreams.
For how long does Donex 5mg stay in your system?
Donex 5mg gets removed from the body very slowly. It takes about two weeks or more for Donex 5mg to be completely removed from the system.
Do the gastrointestinal side effects due to Donex 5mg persist for a long time?
Gastrointestinal side effects may appear during the first few weeks of treatment with Donex 5mg. This can be minimized by taking Donex 5mg 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 Donex 5mg to start working?
Within the first month of treatment with Donex 5mg, you may experience improvement in thinking and remembering (cognitive effect). However, it may take about 12 weeks to see the full benefits.
Does Donex 5mg cause depression?
No, Donex 5mg does not cause depression. If you are experiencing symptoms, then it could be due to existing Alzheimer’s disease.
Who should not take Donex 5mg?
Donex 5mg should not be taken by patients who have hypersensitivity to Donex 5mg 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 Donex 5mg. 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 Donex 5mg be stopped?
Do not stop Donex 5mg 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 Donex Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Donex 5mg, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.\n
Donex 5mg Tablet Reviews
Donex 5mg 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 Donex 5mg. 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 Donex 5mg. If they are severe or will not go away, you should contact your doctor.
Before using Donex 5mg, 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 Donex 5mg. 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 Donex 5mg. If they are severe or will not go away, you should contact your doctor.
Before using Donex 5mg, 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 Donex 5mg Tablet Works
Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease occurs due to disturbances of signal transmission in the brain. Donex 5mg 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 Donex 5mg 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. Donex 5mg may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Benefits of Donex 5mg 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. Donex 5mg 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 Donex 5mg Tablet
- Alzheimer's disease
Donex 5mg Tablet Side Effects
Safety Tips
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Donex 5mg.
Driving
UNSAFE
Donex 5mg may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Donex 5mg is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Donex 5mg may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Donex 5mg is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Donex 5mg 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.
Liver
CAUTION
Donex 5mg should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Donex 5mg may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Quick Tips
- Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how Donex 5mg affects you.
- It does not cure Alzheimer's disease but may help improve brain function and ability to do daily activities.
- Take it with or without food, preferably at night before going to bed.
- Monitor your body weight regularly as both Donex 5mg and Alzheimer's disease can cause weight loss.
- Be cautious while taking this medicine if you suffer from peptic ulcer as it may cause vomiting, stomach bleeding, stomach pain, or discomfort.
- You have been prescribed Donex 5mg to slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
- It may cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated while taking Donex 5mg.
- Inform your doctor if you develop muscle tremors, especially if you have Parkinson’s disease.
- Inform your doctor if you experience seizures or convulsions while taking this medicine.
References
- 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.
- Donepezil Hydrochloride [Summary of Product Characteristics]. Dublin, Ireland: Pfizer Healthcare Ireland; 2023.
- Donepezil. Hatfield, Hertfordshire: Eisai Ltd.; 1997 [revised 11 May 2018].
- Donepezil hydrochloride. Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey: Eisai Inc.; 1996 [revised Feb. 2012].
- 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.
- Donepezil hydrochloride [Prescribing Information]. Mahabubnagar, Telangana: Hetero Labs Limited; 2023.
- Donepezil hydrochloride. South Ruislip, UK: Aurobindo Pharma - Milpharm Ltd.; 2013 [revised 23 Nov. 2017]
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).