Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Aricept as follows:
- Aricept can interact with many antidepressants and antipsychotic medications, resulting in nervousness, confusion, mood changes, and development or aggravation of underlying cardiac arrhythmias, leading to debility and sudden cardiac death. Avoid using Aricept together with antidepressant and antipsychotic medications. If you are newly started on Aricept, discuss with your physician regarding your safety, especially with history of antidepressant and/or antipsychotic medication intake, if any. If you are newly diagnosed with any mood disorders and/or started on any antidepressant/antipsychotic medications, check with your physician on your safety with regards to continuing on Aricept, if you have been using the medication for long.
- Potentiation of acetylcholine action in the body, secondary to Aricept use, can result in increased bowel activity, with occasional diarrhea. Observe compliance with hydration measures, to avoid risk for dehydration and fluid loss. If the diarrhea is severe and uncontrolled, report it to your physician or other health care personnel, so that, your dose of Aricept could be revised or alternative plan of treatment be considered.
- Notify your doctor of any unresolved and worsening side-effects of Aricept use, such as, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, extremely slow heart rate with hypotension and dizziness symptoms, or any difficulty breathing. Also, notify your doctor of any progressively diminishing cognitive skills and memory, despite compliance with the medication, so that, your dosage on the medication could be revised or an alternative plan of treatment be considered.
