Aricept (Donepezil)

Common Use

Aricept contains the active ingredient donepezil hydrochloride. It belongs to a class of medications called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors—in simple terms, it works by slowing down the breakdown of a key brain chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is responsible for transmitting messages between nerve cells in the brain, and it plays a crucial role in memory, thinking, and learning.

In Alzheimer’s disease, the brain produces less acetylcholine, and the levels of this important chemical drop. Aricept helps by blocking the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine (acetylcholinesterase), allowing more of it to remain available in the brain. This helps improve communication between nerve cells and can slow the progression of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

Aricept is used to treat:

Mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease – a progressive neurological disorder that causes memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with thinking and reasoning

It may also be used for severe Alzheimer’s disease in some cases

While Aricept does not cure Alzheimer’s disease, it can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for some patients.

Dosage and Direction

Take Aricept orally (by mouth) before nighttime—taking it in the evening can help manage side effects such as nausea.

Starting dose: 5 mg once daily for the first month

Maintenance dose: After one month, your doctor may increase the dose to 10 mg once daily

How to take the orally disintegrating tablet:

Do not swallow or chew the tablet whole

Place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve in your mouth

While it is dissolving, you may swallow from time to time

Drink water after the tablet has completely dissolved if desired

Precautions

Before taking Aricept, inform your doctor if you have:

Sick sinus syndrome or other heart rhythm problems (such as slow heartbeat)

Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or urination problems

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma

Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (peptic ulcer disease)

Seizure disorder such as epilepsy

Liver disease

Also let your doctor know if you:

Currently take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen) as they may increase the risk of stomach bleeding

Take other choline inhibitors or medications that affect the nervous system

Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

Contraindications

Aricept should not be used in patients with hypersensitivity (allergy) to donepezil or to derivatives of piperidine (a related group of chemical compounds).

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

Headache

Dizziness

Fatigue (tiredness)

More serious side effects (require medical attention) may include:

Allergic reactions – such as hives, rash, or swelling of the face

Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds (signs of stomach bleeding)

Painful or difficult urination

Seizures (blackouts or convulsions)

Slow heartbeat or fainting

Muscle weakness or difficulty breathing

If you experience any of these more serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention.

Drug Interactions

Aricept can interact with several medications:

Medications that may increase Aricept levels (inhibitors of cytochrome P450):

Ketoconazole

Quinidine

Itraconazole

Erythromycin

Fluoxetine

Medications that may decrease Aricept levels (inducers of cytochrome P450):

Rifampin

Phenytoin

Carbamazepine

Ethanol (alcohol)

Other interactions:

Cholinostimulators – may unpredictably increase the effects of Aricept

Choline inhibitors – may weaken the effects of Aricept

General anesthesia drugs – risk of adverse reactions may increase

NSAIDs – may increase the risk of stomach bleeding

Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements.

Missed Dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If you miss a dose and it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take extra to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical help. Symptoms of Aricept overdose may include:

Severe nausea and vomiting

Drooling (excessive saliva)

Intensive sweating

Feeling light-headed or fainting

Slow heartbeat

Blurred vision

Seizures (convulsions)

Myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness)

Shallow breathing

Storage

Store Aricept at room temperature between 15–30°C (59–86°F), away from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep it out of reach of children.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.

About Our Service Cydoctors.com is an online pharmacy based right here in Cyprus. We understand that caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is a challenging journey, and having reliable, consistent access to their medication is essential—so we’ve made our service straightforward, dependable, and built with your family’s convenience in mind. Because we’re local to the island, we can arrange delivery in the shortest possible time. For our customers in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca, we’re pleased to offer overnight delivery, so your Aricept can be with you by the next day, helping to support cognitive function and quality of life for those who matter most.