Drug Name

Aricept (Donepezil)

Drug Uses

Aricept is used for treating mild to moderate dementia (e.g., impairment of memory, judgment, and abstract thinking; changes in personality) caused by Alzheimer disease.

How to use

Use Aricept as directed by your doctor.

• Take Aricept by mouth with or without food.
• Take Aricept in the evening just before bed, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Continue to take Aricept even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Aricept is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by increasing acetylcholine in the brain, which may help to improve memory and thinking ability.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Aricept , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Aricept at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Aricept out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Aricept if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Aricept or to piperidine derivatives (e.g., cyproheptadine).

• Aricept may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Aricept with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Aricept before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Aricept should not be used in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Aricept while you are pregnant. It is not known if Aricept is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Aricept , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• abnormal dreams; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; loss of appetite; muscle cramps; nausea; sleeplessness; tiredness; vomiting; weight loss.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; chest pain; depression; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; loss of bowel or bladder control; seizures; tremor; trouble urinating; unsteadiness; unusual mental or mood changes; vision changes; vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds.

More Information

Aricept is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.