Yasnal: uses, operation and side effects

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

It is made from donepezil hydrochloride, and its most common use is in dementia typical of Alzheimer's disease, regardless of the degree in which the disease is found; It doesn't matter if it's mild, moderate, or severe. The medicine is used in all of them, varying in the amount of doses.

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

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What is Yasnal?

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

The main function of this medication is slow down the natural breakdown process of acetylcholine, neurotransmitter in charge of motor skills and memory, among other aspects.

Bearing in mind that in Alzheimer's disease there is a clear decrease in this chemical substance (acetylcholine) in the body, Yasnal is commonly indicated by specialists to combat the symptoms of neurodegenerative pathology, which range from memory loss and severe confusion, to sudden changes in behavior (personality premorbid).

As a result of this complex symptomatology, it is increasingly difficult for patients with this disease to have a healthy lifestyle. In addition, in a collateral way, this situation will significantly affect the lives of the people in charge of the patient's care. Although this disease has no cure, with control strategies and the use of drugs such as Yasnal symptoms can be temporarily reduced.

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

• You may be interested in: "Alzheimer's: causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention"

indications of consumption

This medication is used exclusively in adults. In addition, some indications must be taken into account before starting the consumption of Yasnal, to avoid possible side effects of this drug.

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

The doctor is the one who will prescribe the medicine, and you should talk to him if you have presented, or present any of the following diseases:

• Stomach or duodenal ulcers.
• Recurring tremors or seizures.
• Heart diseases (arrhythmias of any kind).
• Chronic lung diseases, such as asthma.
• Hepatitis or liver diseases.
• Renal problems or difficulties urinating.
• Involuntary movements at the level of the face and tongue (extrapyramidal symptoms).

During the consumption of this drug, people may see their extrapyramidal symptoms increase; that is why the doctor should be consulted before in this case.

On the other hand, if the patient must undergo surgery and has been taking the medication, it should be indicate to the anesthesiologists the exact time and dose that you have taken, taking into consideration that the use of the Yasnal can vary the amount of anesthesia required during the operation.

Kidney patients can consume 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 the most intense cases this drug should not be implemented.

contraindications

As with all drugs, this medication can cause certain side effects in those who take it. Although it is not an exact science and it does not occur in all cases, you should be aware if any of these symptoms occur.

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

Some of the more serious Yasnal side effects are as follows. If any of these occur, the medication should be suspended and the doctor should be seen immediately.

• 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 that he does not ignore them, since they can represent a significant risk to his overall health. Even if symptoms are observed that are not exactly those described here, but are related to them, you should 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 Neurological Act. 131 (5): 259–267.
• Malouf, R., Birks, J (2004). Malouf, Reem, ed. "Donepezil for vascular cognitive impairment". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1): CD004395.