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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Is Donepezil Prescribed For An Alzheimer S Patient?

I just took over the pill administering for an Alzheimer s client. What is Donepezil used for. She also takes Lorazepam 0.5 Mg in the am and pm. Would it hurt her to give her one mid day if she is more weepy or confused, or would you suggest a Gabapentin instead?
Wed, 7 Jun 2017
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Alzheimer's disease is a long-term (chronic) debilitating illness where person goes through severe memory loss and behavioral disturbances. Donepezil is considered a good drug to prevent further progress of disease. Though this condition is not reversible but we can prevent it from further progressing with Donepezil. Lorazepam is given for sleep and it has to be stopped after few weeks otherwise one gets dependent on that. Gabapentin can help in sleep, but as a person is already on Lorazepam I would not recommend it.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Prashant Gohil
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Why Is Donepezil Prescribed For An Alzheimer S Patient?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Alzheimer s disease is a long-term (chronic) debilitating illness where person goes through severe memory loss and behavioral disturbances. Donepezil is considered a good drug to prevent further progress of disease. Though this condition is not reversible but we can prevent it from further progressing with Donepezil. Lorazepam is given for sleep and it has to be stopped after few weeks otherwise one gets dependent on that. Gabapentin can help in sleep, but as a person is already on Lorazepam I would not recommend it. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Prashant Gohil