Donepezil (Aricept)

Donepezil, which is sold under the brand name Aricept, is a cholinesterase inhibitor (an enzyme blocker) used to treat mild, moderate, or severe dementia in people who have Alzheimer's disease.
It improves mental functions (including attention, memory, and the ability to interact and speak with others) by preventing the naturally occurring neurotransmitters in the brain from breaking down.
It will not cure Alzheimer's or prevent the loss of mental abilities in the future.
Donepezil was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996 to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's. Currently, donepezil is the world's best-selling Alzheimer's drug.
In 2006, Aricept was approved to treat severe dementia in people with Alzheimer's. The first generic formulation became available in 2010.
Donepezil has also been tested in patients with schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder, and mild cognitive impairment. A 2001 study shows donepezil improves the speech of autistic children.

Donepezil Warnings

Donepezil must be taken as prescribed, even if you feel good, to be effective. If you experience sleep problems, your doctor may switch you to a morning dose.
Before taking donepezil, consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are planning to have surgery, including dental surgery.
Donepezil should be used with caution by patients who also experience cardiac disease, asthma, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), so consult with your doctor before using.
Always tell your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

Donepezil (Aricept) Side Effects

Less serious side effects include:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Frequent urination
• Muscle cramps, painful and swollen joints
• Excessive tiredness
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Headache, nervousness, dizziness
• Depression, mood swings
• Vivid dreams

More serious side effects may demand immediate emergency medical attention and include:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty with urination
• Swelling of the tongue, throat, or face
• Severe anemia
• Slow heartbeat
• Breathing problems
• Fainting
• Worsening stomach pain
• Black or bloody stools
• Bloody vomit
• Seizures
• Fever

Donepezil (Aricept) Interactions

Drugs with anti-cholinergic properties that counteract donepezil and should be avoided include:

• Bentropine (Cogentin)
• Atropine (Atropine Sulfate)
• Trihexyphenidyl (Artane)

The following medications, which increase enzymes in the liver, may reduce the effect of donepezil:

• Phenobarbital (Luminal)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Rifampin (Rifadin)
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Dexamethasone (Decadron)

There are other medications, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC), that interact with donepezil. It's important to tell your doctor all of the medications you are taking.

Donepezil (Aricept) Dosage

Donepezil tablets are usually taken once a day, with or without food. They should not be cut, crushed, or chewed, but may be allowed to dissolve on the tongue. The dose may start at 5 milligrams (mg) and be increased to 10 mg in four to six weeks. After 3 months, the 23-milligram tablet should be taken.
For Aricept, the 5 mg tablets are white; 10 mg tablets are yellow; and 23 mg tablets are red.

Donepezil Overdose

If the victim has collapsed, call 911. Otherwise contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Symptoms of a donepezil overdose may include:

• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Slow heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing

Missed Dose of Donepezil

Do not attempt to make up for a missed dose. Simply take the next scheduled dose.

Donepezil Pictures

Donepezil 5 mg Tab-TEV, white, round, film coated

Donepezil 10 mg Tab-TEV, yellow, round, film coated

Donepezil 5 mg-TEV, white, round,

Donepezil 10 mg-TEV, white, round,

Aricept 5mg, white, round,

Aricept 10 mg, yellow, round, film coated