It usually takes at least a month for donepezil to start to work, but it can take longer for some people. Donepezil does not help everyone in the same way. Some people find it helps with their symptoms a lot. For others, it might not help at all.
You will get a follow-up appointment so your doctor can check how well the medicine is working. They will also check whether you have any side effects. If you are bothered by side effects, tell your doctor. They may be able to recommend a different medicine. You, or the person you are caring for, will have regular check-ups with a doctor to see whether donepezil is still helping.
The effects may wear off a bit 6 to 12 months after you start taking it. Your symptoms may start to gradually get worse again, even if you are still taking donepezil. The medicine is probably still helping and if you stop taking it your symptoms could become even worse. It can stop your medicine from working as well as it should. It can also make you more likely to have side effects.
Drinking alcohol can also make the symptoms of dementia worse. It can make you more forgetful or confused. Some people feel sleepy or dizzy when taking donepezil. If this happens to you, do not drive or ride a bike until you feel OK again.
If you've been diagnosed with dementia, you are legally required to inform the DVLA and your car insurance company promptly. This does not necessarily mean you have to stop driving immediately. Some people with dementia prefer to give up driving because they find it stressful, but others continue driving for some time as long as it's safe for them to do so. The DVLA will ask for medical reports and possibly a special driving assessment to decide whether you can continue driving.
For more information, read the Alzheimer's Society advice on driving and dementia. Page last reviewed: 19 February Next review due: 19 February Donepezil - Brand names: Aricept, Aricept Evess On this page About donepezil Key facts Who can and cannot take donepezil How and when to take it Side effects How to cope with side effects Cautions with other medicines Common questions.
About donepezil Donepezil is a medicine that helps with some types of dementia. Donepezil is available on prescription only.
It comes as tablets, including tablets that melt in your mouth, and as a liquid that you drink. Donepezil can help with symptoms like being forgetful or confused. The most common side effects of donepezil are diarrhoea, headache and feeling sick nausea.
You can take it with or without food. Drinking alcohol stops donepezil from working as well as it should. It also increases the risk of side effects. Donepezil can be taken by adults only. To make sure this medicine is safe to take, tell your doctor if you or the person you're caring for have : had an allergic reaction to donepezil or other medicines in the past liver problems ever had an ulcer in your gut or intestines, or a stomach ulcer heart problems, such as an irregular or slow heartbeat asthma or other lung disease such as COPD ever had a seizure or fit a condition that makes it difficult to pee.
Dosage Always follow the instructions that come with your medicine. Donepezil comes as 5mg or 10mg tablets. How to take the tablets Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. How to take the liquid Use the plastic spoon that comes with your medicine to measure out your dose.
Swallow the liquid donepezil. You can have a drink of water afterwards if you like. What if I forget to take it? Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. What if I take too much? The amount of donepezil that can cause an overdose varies from person to person. Urgent advice: Contact for advice now if:. You've taken more than your usual dose of donepezil and: you're feeling dizzy or sick, or you're being sick you're drooling or sweating a lot you have a slow heart rate you're having breathing problems you faint or have a seizure or fit.
Take the donepezil packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you. Like all medicines, donepezil can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common side effects The most common side effects of donepezil happen in more than 1 in people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away: diarrhoea feeling sick nausea headache feeling sleepy in the daytime or feeling dizzy Serious side effects Less than 1 in people have serious side effects with donepezil.
Call a doctor straight away if you, or the person you're caring for, have: yellow skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow, or if you have pale poo and dark pee — these can be signs of liver problems severe indigestion, heartburn or stomach pain, severe or continued vomiting — these can be signs of an ulcer in your stomach or gut black poo, or blood or something that looks like coffee grounds in your vomit — these can be signs of internal bleeding muscle weakness or cramps and pains in your muscles that you did not have before — these can sometimes be signs of muscle and kidney problems high temperature together with stiff muscles, sweating, confusion and seeing or hearing things that are not there — these can be signs of a rare side effect called neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Immediate action required: Call and ask for an ambulance if:. Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to donepezil. Information: You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme. What to do about: diarrhoea — drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration.
Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea, including rehydration salts, without first speaking to a pharmacist or doctor feeling sick — it may help to avoid eating very rich, fatty or spicy food headache — make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids.
If it's bothering you, ask a pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Talk to a doctor if your headaches last longer than a week or are severe feeling sleepy in the daytime or feeling dizzy — try taking your medicine at night. If you feel dizzy or tired do not drive or ride a bike until you feel more alert. Talk to a doctor if these effects bother you, or do not get better As your body gets used to donepezil, these side effects should wear off.
Tell your doctor if you or the person you're caring for: take medicines used for heart problems like amiodarone, atenolol , bisoprolol , digoxin and verapamil take medicines for epilepsy, such as phenytoin and carbamazepine take anti-inflammatory medicines NSAIDs , such as aspirin including low-dose aspirin or ibuprofen take risperidone, olanzapine or fluoxetine , or any other medicines for mental health issues take antibiotics, such as erythromycin or rifampicin are due to have general or local anaesthetic for an operation or a minor procedure These are not all the medicines that interfere with donepezil.
For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children. Do not dispose of medications in wastewater e. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired. Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses.
Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects. Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:. Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication. Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health.
These factors may affect how you should use this medication. Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of Aricept donepezil. Asthma and lung conditions: If you have lung conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Donepezil could cause symptoms of these conditions to worsen. Chronic illness: In general, people with chronic medical conditions should be cautious when taking donepezil because of the increased risk of side effects.
The benefits of taking the medication must be carefully weighed against the risks. Epilepsy: There is a possibility that donepezil may increase the risk of seizures for susceptible people. If you have a history of seizure disorder, speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking donepezil.
Heart disease: If you have heart disease such as active coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Donepezil has the potential to slow the heart rate. People with cardiac conduction abnormalities e. Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Muscle effects: In rare cases, serious muscle damage has been associated with the use of donepezil. Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness or cramps, or any brown or discoloured urine to your doctor immediately, particularly if you are also experiencing malaise a general feeling of being unwell or fever.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome NMS : Donepezil, can rarely cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome NMS. If you notice the symptoms of NMS, get immediate medical attention.
Symptoms include high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, and fainting.
Stomach problems: Donepezil has the potential to cause an increase in the amount of acid that the stomach produces. If you have a history of ulcers or are at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: The safety of donepezil for use during pregnancy has not been established. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
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