Aricept

 
Generic Name: donepezil (oral)

Brands: Aricept

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What is the most important information I should know about Aricept?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Donepezil may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

 

What is Aricept?

· Donepezil is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is associated with low levels of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KOH leen) in your brain. The exact way that Aricept works is unknown. However, it is believed that Aricept prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in your brain.

· Donepezil is used to improve thinking and memory in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

· Donepezil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

Who should not take Aricept?

· Before taking Aricept, tell your doctor if you     ·have kidney disease, including difficulty urinating;     ·have liver disease;     ·have heart disease such as a slow or irregular heartbeat;     ·have a history of stomach ulcers;     ·take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), ketorolac (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), and others, on a regular basis;     ·have seizures or a history of seizures;     ·have lung problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); or     ·need to have surgery.

· You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Donepezil is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Aricept will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Aricept without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· It is also not known whether Aricept will harm a nursing infant. Do not take Aricept without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Aricept?

· Take Aricept exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Donepezil can be taken with or without food or milk.

· Donepezil is usually taken once a day, at bedtime. Follow your doctor's directions.

· Store Aricept at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Aricept overdose include severe nausea, vomiting, watering mouth, sweating, slow heartbeat, slow breathing, prolonged or severe dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, seizures, and collapse.

 

What should I avoid while taking Aricept?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Donepezil may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

 

What are the possible side effects of Aricept?

· Stop taking Aricept and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

· Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take Aricept and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·drowsiness or dizziness;     ·nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;     ·abdominal pain or diarrhea;     ·muscle cramps;     ·insomnia or vivid dreams; or     ·dry mouth.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Aricept?

· Before taking Aricept, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:     ·ketoconazole (Nizoral), fluconazole (Diflucan), or itraconazole (Sporanox);     ·quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute, others);     ·phenytoin (Dilantin);     ·carbamazepine (Tegretol);     ·dexamethasone (Decadron), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisone (Deltasone, others), prednisolone (Prelone, Pediapred, others), or another steroid;     ·rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rifater) or rifabutin (Mycobutin), or     ·phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), pentobarbital (Nembutal), secobarbital (Seconal), or mephobarbital (Mebaral).

· You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Aricept. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Aricept written for health professionals that you may read.

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