Among the drugs used to treat patients with dementia is Yasnal , which is part of the drugs known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

It is manufactured from donepezil hydrochloride, and its most common use is in Alzheimer’s disease dementias, regardless of the degree of the disease; it does not matter if it is mild, moderate, or severe. The drug is used in all of them, varying in the amount of the doses.

In this article we will see what Yasnal is and what it is used for, the indications for consumption of this drug, as well as some of the side effects that the drug has.

What is the Yasnal?

As we have already seen, Yasnal is a drug that works as an inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase , which serves the function of allowing cholinergic synapses to correctly send nerve impulses.

The main function of this medicine is to slow down the natural process of breakdown of acetylcholine , a neurotransmitter responsible for motor skills and memory, among other things.

Taking into account that in Alzheimer’s disease there is a clear decrease of this chemical (acetylcholine) in the organism, Yasnal is commonly indicated by specialists to fight the symptoms of neurodegenerative pathology, which range from memory loss and severe confusion, to abrupt behavioral changes (premorbid personality).

As a result of this complex symptomatology, patients with this disease find it increasingly difficult to have a healthy lifestyle routine. In addition, as a side effect, this situation significantly affects the lives of those who care for the patient. Although there is no cure for this disease, control strategies and the use of drugs such as Yasnal can temporarily reduce symptoms .

What it does medically in the Central Nervous System is increase the levels of acetylcholine, but not by increasing its production , but by decreasing the time it is consumed in the body. In this way the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s take longer to return.

Consumption guidelines

This medicine is used exclusively in adults. In addition, some indications should be taken into account before starting to take Yasnal, to avoid possible side effects of this drug.

People who are allergic to donepezil, piperidine or any of the components of Yasnal should not take this drug. It is recommended to read carefully the compounds used in its preparation and to be aware of whether one is allergic to one of them.

The doctor is the one who will prescribe the medication , and you should talk to him/her in case you have or have any of the following diseases:

  • Stomach or duodenal ulcers
  • Recurrent tremors or seizures.
  • Heart diseases (arrhythmias of any kind).
  • Chronic lung diseases, such as asthma.
  • Hepatitis or liver disease.
  • Kidney problems or difficulties with urination.
  • Involuntary movements of the face and tongue (extrapyramidal symptoms)

During the consumption of this drug, people may see their extrapyramidal symptoms increase; therefore, a doctor should be consulted first in this case.

On the other hand, if the patient has to undergo surgery and has taken the medication, the anesthesiologists should be told the exact time and dose taken, taking into consideration that the use of Yasnal may vary the amount of anesthesia required during the operation .

Kidney patients can take this drug without being affected in any way. In the case of liver diseases, its use is allowed when they are mild or moderate, in more intense cases this drug should not be implemented.

Contraindications

As with all drugs, this medication can produce certain side effects in those who take it. Although it is not an exact science and does not occur in all cases, you should be on the lookout for some of these symptoms

  • Diarrhea.
  • Nausea.
  • Headaches.
  • Muscle cramps.
  • Sleep problems .

Some of the more serious side effects of Yasnal are If any of these occur, you should stop taking the medication and see your doctor right away.

  • Fever accompanied by muscle stiffness and sweating.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Dark-colored urine.
  • Itchy skin and yellow eyes.

If the subject shows any of the symptoms described above, it is important not to overlook them, as they may pose a significant risk to the subject’s overall health. Even if you notice symptoms that are not exactly those described here, but are related to them, you should still see a doctor.

Bibliographic references:

  • Lee, J.-H.; Jeong, S.-K.; Kim, B.C.; Park, K.W.; Dash, A. (2015). Donepezil across the spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease: dose optimization and clinical relevance. Scandinavian Neurology Act. 131 (5): 259–267.
  • Malouf, R., Birks, J (2004). Malouf, Reem, ed. “Donepezil for vascular cognitive impairment”. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1): CD004395.