Aricept® | Aricept (Donepezil) - 5mg (28 Tablets)

What is Aricept (Donepezil)?

• Aricept (Donepezil) improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. Aricept (Donepezil) 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 (Donepezil) is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.
• Aricept (Donepezil) may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How should I take Aricept (Donepezil)?

Take Aricept (Donepezil) exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take Aricept (Donepezil) in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking Aricept (Donepezil). You may need to stop using Aricept (Donepezil) for a short time.

Aricept (Donepezil) can be taken with or without food or milk.

Take the Aricept (Donepezil) regular tablets with a full glass of water.

To take Aricept (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

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a Aricept (Donepezil) overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, drooling, sweating, blurred vision, feeling light-headed, slow heartbeat, shallow breathing, muscle weakness, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking Aricept (Donepezil)?

Aricept (Donepezil) 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.

Aricept (Donepezil) 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 Aricept (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);

Continue taking Aricept (Donepezil) and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

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