Generic name:donepezil (oral) [ doe-NEP-e-zil ]
Brand names: Aricept, Aricept ODT
Drug class:Cholinesterase inhibitors
What is Aricept?
Aricept improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah SEET il KOE leen). People with dementia usually have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning.
Aricept is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.
Aricept is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease. This condition will progress over time, even in people who take donepezil.
Warnings
Before taking Aricept, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats), an enlarged prostate, urination problems, asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, or a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking Aricept.
Aricept can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Aricept if you are allergic to donepezil or certain other drugs. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines.
To make sure Aricept is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
a heart rhythm disorder;
a history of stomach ulcers;
an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
liver or kidney disease;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
trouble swallowing; or
asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing...
