Donepezil (Aricept) Tips from Pharmacists

• Take donepezil in the evening before retiring. This way, you will sleep through many of the side effects.

• You can take donepezil with or without food.

• Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions carefully. Your provider may start you on a low initial dose and increase it after 4-6 weeks.

• Tell your doctor if side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are bothersome.

• Do not take over-the-counter pain medications (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) while on donepezil without checking with your healthcare provider.

• Continue taking donepezil oral or other dosage forms even if you feel well. This medication helps to improve cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer’s disease but does not cure the condition. 

• Do not start taking any other drugs while on donepezil without consulting your doctor. This will help avoid drug-drug interactions.