Generic Drugs // Other // Donepezil (Aricept)

What is Aricept (Donepezil)?
Aricept improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KO leen). People with dementia usually have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning. Aricept is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer"s disease. Aricept may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is Aricept (Donepezil)?
Aricept improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KO leen). People with dementia usually have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning. Aricept is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer"s disease. Aricept may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about donepezil?
Before taking donepezil, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats), an enlarged prostate, urination problems, asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, or a seizure disorder such as epilepsy. If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking donepezil. Aricept can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

How should I take aripiprazole?
Take the donepezil regular tablets with a full glass of water. To take donepezil orally disintegrating tablet (Aricept ODT):

    * Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel or cut the backing from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the backing or you may damage the tablet.
    * Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.
    * Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
    * Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. After the tablet dissolves completely, drink a glass of water.

Aricept is usually taken at bedtime. Follow your doctor"s instructions. Store donepezil at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Aricept side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using donepezil and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

    * black, bloody, or tarry stools;
    * coughing up blood or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds;
    * painful or difficult urination;
    * seizure (black-out or convulsions);

Less serious side effects may include:

    * nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
    * loss of appetite;
    * muscle cramps;
    * tired feeling; or
    * sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.