← Drug quick-reference

Donepezil

Brand: Aricept

Cholinesterase inhibitorUsed for: Alzheimer's diseaseCNS & Psychiatric

No boxed warning on the current FDA label.

Caution
Slow heart rate and fainting; GI bleeding risk with NSAIDs.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Slow heart rate

Key interactions

  • Anticholinergic drugs oppose its effect
  • Additive slowing with beta blockers
  • NSAIDs may raise stomach bleeding risk
  • Caution with other cholinergic drugs

Counseling points

  • Take at bedtime as directed
  • May cause nausea early on
  • Report fainting or very slow pulse
  • Take with food to ease stomach upset
  • Improvement is gradual, not a cure
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