Donepezil

About Donepezil

This belongs to the group of medicines known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

Donepezil is used to treat mild to moderate 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 in the brain which is known to be lower in people suffering from Alzheimer's dementia.

Donepezil is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Aricept. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Donepezil

Before taking Donepezil make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney, liver or lung problems, including asthma
• if you have ever suffered from a stomach ulcer
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Donepezil

• Take Donepezil exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Donepezil is usually taken as a single dose just before bed time. It can be taken with or without food.
• It may take several weeks before Donepezil appears to take effect. You should not stop taking Donepezil unless directed by your doctor.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Donepezil contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over the counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside Donepezil.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Donepezil.
• Donepezil can cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that they can monitor your progress.

Can Donepezil cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Diarrhoea, muscle cramps, tiredness, feeling or being sick, difficulty sleeping, headache, fainting, slow heartbeat, loss of appetite, stomach pain, rash, itching, difficulty urinating (passing water) or urinating without control from the patient, dizziness.

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

How to store Donepezil

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 21/02/2005