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Aricept vs. Namzaric

Are Aricept and Namzaric the Same Thing?

Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride) and Namzaric (memantine hydrochloride extended-release and donepezil hydrochloride) are used to reduce symptoms of mild to moderate dementia like that found in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Aricept and Namzaric are different types of drugs. Aricept is a cholinesterase inhibitor and Namzaric is a combination of an orally active NMDA receptor antagonist and a cholinesterase inhibitor.

Side effects of Aricept and Namzaric that are similar include drowsiness/sleepiness, dizziness, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Side effects of Aricept that are different from Namzaric include feeling unwell (malaise), appetite loss, weight loss, sleep problems (insomnia), muscle cramps, weakness, shakiness (tremor), itchy skin, or nausea.

Side effects of Namzaric that are different from Aricept include headache, flu symptoms, anxiety, high or low blood pressure, constipation, abdominal pain, weight gain, back pain, depression, aggression, and urinary incontinence.

Both Aricept and Namzaric may interact with anticholinergic medications, succinylcholine or similar neuromuscular blocking agents, or cholinergic agonists.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Aricept?

Common side effects of Aricept include:

  • feeling unwell (malaise),
  • appetite loss,
  • weight loss,
  • sleep problems (insomnia),
  • muscle cramps,
  • tiredness,
  • drowsiness,
  • dizziness,
  • weakness,
  • shakiness (tremor),
  • itchy skin,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting, or
  • diarrhea.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Aricept including painful urination, seizures, chest pain, and GI symptoms of tarry or bloody stools and vomiting blood or material that resembles "coffee grounds."

What Are Possible Side Effects of Namzaric?

Common side effects of Namzaric include:

What is Aricept?

Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride) is a cholinesterase inhibitor that reduces or prevents acetylcholine breakdown in brain tissue. Aricept is used to treat mild to moderate dementia like that found in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Aricept is not a cure; it reduces symptoms.

What is Namzaric?

Namzaric (memantine hydrochloride extended-release and donepezil hydrochloride) is a combination of an orally active NMDA receptor antagonist, and a reversible inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, used to treat moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type in patients stabilized on memantine hydrochloride and donepezil hydrochloride.

What Drugs Interact With Aricept?

Aricept may interact with many drugs; tell the physician if you have a history of breathing problems, heart disease, fainting, seizures, GI diseases or urinary problems because they may get worst with this drug. Aricept is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Aricept safety and effectiveness has not been studied in the pediatric population.

What Drugs Interact With Namzaric?

Namzaric may interact with NMDA antagonists, anticholinergics, succinylcholine, similar neuromuscular blocking agents, or cholinergic agonists.

How Should Aricept Be Taken?

Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride) is available for oral administration in film-coated tablets in doses of 5, 10, or 23 mg of donepezil hydrochloride.

How Should Namzaric Be Taken?

Patients stabilized on memantine hydrochloride and donepezil hydrochloride can be switched to Namzaric 28 mg/10 mg, taken once a day in the evening.

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