Aricept

Aricept

     * Generic Name: donepezil hydrochloride
     * Brand Name: Aricept


     * What is donepezil (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?
     * What are the possible side effects of donepezil (Aricept,
       Aricept ODT)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       donepezil (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       donepezil (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?
     * How should I take donepezil (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?
     * What should I avoid while taking donepezil (Aricept, Aricept
       ODT)?
     * What other drugs will affect donepezil (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?
     * Where can I get more information (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?

What is donepezil (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?

   Donepezil improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It
   works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called
   acetylcholine (ah SEET il KOE leen). People with dementia
   usually have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the
   processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning.

   Donepezil is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by
   Alzheimer's disease.

   Donepezil is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease. This condition will
   progress over time, even in people who take donepezil.

   Donepezil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of donepezil (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Stop using donepezil and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * severe or ongoing vomiting;
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * slow heartbeats;
     * seizure (convulsions);
     * painful or difficult urination;
     * new or worsening breathing problems; or
     * signs of stomach bleeding--severe heartburn or stomach pain,
       bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that
       looks like coffee grounds.

   Common side effects may include:
     * nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
     * loss of appetite;
     * muscle pain;
     * sleep problems (insomnia); or
     * feeling tired;.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about donepezil
(Aricept, Aricept ODT)?

   Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of
   your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies,
   and all medicines you use.

   Aricept Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Dementia, Alzheimer's, and Aging Brains

   Dementia Slideshow Pictures
   Alzheimer's Disease:A Caregiver's Guide

   Alzheimer's Disease Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Alzheimer's Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking donepezil
(Aricept, Aricept ODT)?

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to donepezil or
   certain other drugs. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any
   medicines.

   To make sure donepezil is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * a heart rhythm disorder;
     * a history of stomach ulcers;
     * an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
     * liver or kidney disease;
     * epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
     * trouble swallowing; or
     * asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
       or other breathing disorder.

   It is not known whether donepezil will harm an unborn baby. Tell your
   doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this
   medicine.

   It is not known whether donepezil passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
   baby.

How should I take donepezil (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   You may take donepezil with or without food.

   Do not crush, chew, or break the regular tablet. Swallow it whole.

   To take the orally disintegrating tablet (Aricept ODT):
     * Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it.
       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.
     * Use dry hands to remove the tablet and place it in your mouth.
     * 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.

   If you need surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon ahead of time
   that you are using donepezil. You may need to stop using the medicine
   for a short time.

   You should not stop using donepezil without your doctor's advice.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Aricept Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Dementia, Alzheimer's, and Aging Brains

   Dementia Slideshow Pictures
   Alzheimer's Disease:A Caregiver's Guide

   Alzheimer's Disease Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Alzheimer's Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

   If you miss your doses for more than 7 days in a row, call your doctor
   before taking the medicine again.

What happens if I overdose (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

   Overdose symptoms 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 donepezil (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?

   This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you
   drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

What other drugs will affect donepezil (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?

   Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or
   stop using during your treatment with donepezil, especially:
     * NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen
       (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib,
       diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others;

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with donepezil,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information (Aricept, Aricept ODT)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about donepezil.
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