This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Aricept Consumer Information
ARICEPT
Generic Name: donepezil (oral) (doe NEH peh zil)
Brand Names: Aricept
What is the most important information I should know about donepezil?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Donepezil may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
What is donepezil?
- Donepezil is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is associated with low levels of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KOH leen) in your brain. The exact way that donepezil works is unknown. However, it is believed that donepezil prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in your brain.
- Donepezil is used to improve thinking and memory in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
- Donepezil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take donepezil?
- Before taking donepezil, tell your doctor if you
- have kidney disease, including difficulty urinating;
- have liver disease;
- have heart disease such as a slow or irregular heartbeat;
- have a history of stomach ulcers;
- take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), ketorolac (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), and others, on a regular basis;
- have seizures or a history of seizures;
- have lung problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); or
- need to have surgery.
- You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Donepezil is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether donepezil will harm an unborn baby. Do not take donepezil without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is also not known whether donepezil will harm a nursing infant. Do not take donepezil without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take donepezil?
- Take donepezil exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Donepezil can be taken with or without food or milk.
- Donepezil is usually taken once a day, at bedtime. Follow your doctor's directions.
- Store donepezil at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a donepezil overdose include severe nausea, vomiting, watering mouth, sweating, slow heartbeat, slow breathing, prolonged or severe dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, seizures, and collapse.
What should I avoid while taking donepezil?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Donepezil may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.