The following information is a summary about Aricept. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Why is this Aricept medication prescribed?
Aricept/Donepezil is used in the treatment of mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer's patients.
This Aricept medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or Aricept pharmacist for more Aricept information.
How should this Aricept medicine be used?
Aricept/Donepezil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Aricept usually is taken once a day. Take Aricept/donepezil in the evening just before going to sleep. Aricept/Donepezil may be taken with or without food. Follow the Aricept directions on your Aricept prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Aricept pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Aricept/donepezil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Aricept or take Aricept more often than prescribed by your doctor.
What special Aricept precautions should I follow?
Before taking Aricept/donepezil,
tell your doctor and Aricept pharmacist if you are allergic to Aricept/donepezil or any other drugs.
tell your doctor or Aricept pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., diclofenac, flurbiprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, nabumetone, naproxen, oxaprozin, or sulindac), and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an ulcer, asthma, or any lung disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Aricept/donepezil, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Aricept/donepezil.
What special Aricept dietary instructions should I follow?
Aricept/Donepezil can be taken without regard to meals. If Aricept/donepezil causes an upset stomach, take it with food or milk.
Aricept Side Effects
Although the side effects from Aricept/donepezil are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Aricept symptoms are severe or do not go away:
upset stomach
diarrhea
pain
headache
insomnia
dizziness
If you experience any of the following Aricept symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
itching
severe skin rash
hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing
wheezing
What storage conditions are needed for Aricept?
Keep Aricept in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Aricept at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Aricept medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Aricept medication.
Other uses for this Aricept medicine
This Aricept medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Aricept information.
In case of Aricept emergency/overdose
In case of Aricept overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other Aricept information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Aricept.
Do not let anyone else take your Aricept medication. Ask your Aricept pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Aricept prescription.
What should I do if I forget a Aricept dose?
Take the missed Aricept dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Aricept dose, skip the missed Aricept dose and continue your regular Aricept dosing schedule. Do not take a double Aricept dose to make up for a missed one.
