3. Donepezil

Donepezil

  • Take donepezil at bedtime.
  • It may take several weeks before it appears to take effect.
  • Your doctor will want to check on your progress so remember to keep your clinic and surgery appointments.
Type of medicine Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
Used for Treating the symptoms of dementia in Alzheimer's disease
Also called Aricept®
Aricept Evess®
Available as Tablets and orodispersible (melt in the mouth) tablets

Donepezil is used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Donepezil cannot cure dementia or Alzheimer's disease but it can slow down the progression of dementia and can help to ease the symptoms.

Donepezil works by increasing the amount of a natural chemical called acetylcholine in the brain, which is known to be lower in people suffering from dementia in Alzheimer's disease.

Before taking donepezil make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver problems.
  • If you have lung problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD).
  • If you have ever had a stomach ulcer.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
  • Before beginning treatment, you or your caregiver should read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Always take donepezil exactly as directed by your doctor. Unless you have been told otherwise, take your dose just before bedtime. It can be taken with or without food.
  • If you have been given the tablets that disperse (melt) in the mouth (Aricept Evess®), place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to disintegrate before you swallow it. You may find it helps to swallow it with a drink of water.
  • It may take several weeks before donepezil appears to take effect.
  • If you forget to take a dose, do not worry, just take your dose on the following day at the usual time. Do not take more than one dose a day to make up for a missed dose.
  • Do not drive unless you have been told it is safe to do so by your doctor.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, it is important that you tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking donepezil. This is because it may affect the amount of anaesthetic you need.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be checked.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with donepezil.

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, loss of appetite Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
Tiredness, dizziness, feeling faint, falling Try getting up or moving more slowly. If you begin to feel faint, sit or lie down until the feeling passes
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Difficulty sleeping, feeling agitated or aggresive, muscle cramp, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things not really there), rash, itching, and urine incontinence If any of these are troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
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Further reading & references

  • British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Aricept®; Manufacturer's PIL, Aricept®, Eisai Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2009, accessed March 2010.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Aricept Evess®; Manufacturer's PIL, Aricept Evess®, Eisai Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2009, accessed March 2010.
Original Author: Helen Allen Current Version:
Last Checked: 21/10/2010 Document ID: 3389  Version: 22 © EMIS

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

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