What is Aricept used for?
DONEPEZIL is used for the treatment of a mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Aricept?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- asthma or other lung diseases
- difficulty passing urine
- head injury
- heart disease, slow heartbeat
- liver diseases
- Parkinson's disease
- seizures (convulsions)
- stomach or intestinal disease, ulcers or stomach bleeding
- an unusual or allergic reaction to donepezil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Aricept should be taken?
Take this medicine orally. Put the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve, then swallow it. While you may take these tablets with water, it is not necessary to do so. You may take this medicine with or without food. Your doses should be taken at the regular intervals. This medicine is usually taken before bedtime. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. Continue to take your medicine even if you feel better. You should never stop taking this medicine prematurely unless your doctor specifically advised you to do so.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Aricept?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Aricept with the other medicine/food/etc?
- atropine
- benztropine
- bethanechol
- carbamazepine
- dexamethasone
- dicyclomine
- glycopyrrolate
- hyoscyamine
- ipratropium
- itraconazole or ketoconazole
- medicines for motion sickness
- NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
- other medicines for Alzheimer's disease
- oxybutynin
- phenobarbital
- phenytoin
- quinidine
- rifampin, rifabutin or rifapentine
- trihexyphenidyl
This list is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you are using. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.
Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking Aricept?
Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo checks on your progress. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
You may experience drowsiness or dizziness symptoms. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you.
Does Aricept have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
- changes in vision
- feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
- problems with balance
- slow heartbeat, or palpitations
- stomach pain
- unusual bleeding or bruising, red or purple spots on the skin
- vomiting
- weight loss
The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- diarrhea, especially when starting treatment
- headache
- indigestion or heartburn
- loss of appetite
- muscle cramps
- nausea
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I keep Aricept?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.