Donepezil (Aricept): Uses & Side EffectsLocations:||||||Home/Health Library/Drugs, Devices & Supplements/Donepezil TabletsAdvertisementAdvertisementDonepezil TabletsDonepezil is a medication that treats symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease like memory loss and confusion. This medication works by improving your attention, memory and ability to engage in your daily activities. It isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The brand name of this medication is Aricept®.AdvertisementCleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. PolicyWhat is this medication?DONEPEZIL (doe NEP e zil) treats memory loss and confusion (dementia) in people who have Alzheimer disease. It works by improving attention, memory, and the ability to engage in daily activities. It is not a cure for dementia or Alzheimer disease.AdvertisementCleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. PolicyThis medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.COMMON BRAND NAME(S): AriceptWhat should I tell my care team before I take this medication?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:Head injuryHeart diseaseIrregular heartbeat or rhythmLiver diseaseLung or breathing disease, such as asthmaSeizuresStomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problemsStomach bleedingTrouble passing urineAn unusual or allergic reaction to donepezil, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservativesPregnant or trying to get pregnantBreastfeedingHow should I use this medication?Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medication with or without food. Take this medication at regular intervals. This medication is usually taken before bedtime. Do not take it more often than directed. Continue to take your medication even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice.If you are taking the 23 mg donepezil tablet, swallow it whole; do not cut, crush, or chew it.Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.AdvertisementNOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.What if I miss a dose?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose, do not take double or extra doses.What may interact with this medication?Do not take this medication with any of the following:Certain medications for fungal infections, such as itraconazole, fluconazole, posaconazole, voriconazoleDextromethorphan; quinidineDronedaronePimozideQuinidineThioridazineThis medication may also interact with the following:Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and coldAtropineBethanecholCarbamazepineCertain medications for bladder problems, such as oxybutynin or tolterodineCertain medications for Parkinson disease, such as benztropine or trihexyphenidylCertain medications for stomach problems, such as dicyclomine or hyoscyamineCertain medications for travel sickness, such as scopolamineDexamethasoneDofetilideIpratropiumNSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxenOther medications for Alzheimer diseaseOther medications that cause heart rhythm changesPhenobarbitalPhenytoinRifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentineZiprasidoneThis list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.What should I watch for while using this medication?Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throatPeptic ulcer—burning stomach pain, loss of appetite, bloating, burping, heartburn, nausea, vomitingSeizuresSlow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigueStomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee groundsTrouble passing urineSide effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):DiarrheaFatigueLoss of appetiteMuscle pain or crampsNauseaTrouble sleepingThis list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.AdvertisementWhere should I keep my medication?Keep out of reach of children.Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.AdvertisementCopyright ©2025 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved..Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdRendered: Mon Sep 15 2025 20:33:58 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)ActionsBlog, News & AppsAbout Cleveland ClinicSite Information & Policies9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 | 800.223.2273 | © 2025 Cleveland Clinic. All Rights Reserved., Donepezil (brand name Aricept) may be used to treat dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. Donepezil can help improve attention, memory, behavior, and ability to do daily activities in dementia patients., Find patient medical information for Donepezil (Adlarity, Aricept) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings.