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Aricept Side Effects and Special Warnings
What are some of the
Aricept side effects that I may expect?
 While specific Aricept side effects should not
really be anticipated, if any develop or increase in intensity you
need to contact your physician immediately. Only your doctor can
determine if it is safe to continue this Alzheimer’s medication in
spite of your or your loved one’s Aricept side effects.
Aricept side effects are usually more likely in
higher doses and include diarrhea, fatigue, insomnia, loss of
appetite, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting. These are some of the
more common side effects of this medication. When these side effects
occur they are usually relatively mild and frequently get better as
your treatment continues.
Other Aricept side
effects may include:
Abnormal dreams, arthritis, bruising, depression,
dizziness, fainting, frequent urination, headache, pain, sleepiness,
weight-loss
Aricept side effects and
special warnings:
This medication can increase the risk of seizures
and aggravate asthma and other problems that you may have with your
breathing. It can also cause fainting in people with heart conditions
and may possibly slow your heartbeat. Obviously, you should always
contact your physician if any of these problems occur. For individuals
who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve, Advil, or
Nuprin, or for individuals who have had stomach ulcers, Aricept can
possibly make your stomach side effects worse. You should always be
cautious when taking this or any drug, and report all Aricept side
effects to your doctor.
Aricept side effects and
food and drug interactions:
In addition to the Aricept side effects, this
medication may increase the effects of certain anesthetics. You
should always make sure your doctor is aware that an individual is on
Aricept prior to any surgeries. Aricept may also increase, decrease
or otherwise alter the effects of other drugs. It is especially
important to check with your doctor when taking Aricept with any of
the following medications:
-
Antispasmodic drugs such as Bentyl, Cogentin,
and Pro-Banthine
-
Bethanechol chloride (Urecholine)
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Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
-
Dexamethasone (Decadron)
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Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
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Phenobarbital
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Phenytoin (Dilantin)
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Quinidine (Quinidex)
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Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate)
Although the above list of special precautions is
fairly comprehensive, it does not include every possible Aricept side
effect. You should always contact your physician if you experience
any problematic concerns or any other medication related side effect
that appears to be out of the ordinary.
Information Adapted from
The PDR Family Guide to Prescription Drugs
Additional Information and
webpage by Paul Susic MA Licensed
Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
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