Aricept ODT

Generic name: Donepezil (oral)
Drug class: Cholinesterase inhibitors

Usage of Aricept ODT

Aricept ODT is used in adults to treat dementia related to Alzheimer's disease. This medicine can help improve mental function, but it does not work the same in all people.

Aricept ODT is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease. This condition will worsen over time, even in people who take this medicine.

Aricept ODT may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Aricept ODT side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Aricept ODT may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

slow heartbeats;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

new or worsening stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting;

a seizure;

painful or difficult urination;

new or worsening breathing problems; or

stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

You may be more likely to have serious stomach problems while taking medicine that contains an NSAID.

Common side effects of Aricept ODT may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

loss of appetite;

muscle cramps;

sleep problems (insomnia); or

feeling tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Aricept ODT

You should not take Aricept ODT if you are allergic to Aricept ODT or certain other drugs. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

heart problems including fast, slow or uneven heart rate;

a stomach ulcer or bleeding;

urination problems;

a planned surgery or procedure;

asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;

seizure or epilepsy;

trouble swallowing tablets; or

liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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How to use Aricept ODT

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Aricept ODT is taken once per day. You may take this medicine with or without food.

Do not change your dose or stop taking Aricept ODT without your doctor's advice.

Swallow the 23-mg tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Allow the orally disintegrating tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. After it dissolves completely, drink a full glass of water.

If you need surgery or any medical or dental procedure, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are taking Aricept ODT.

Store Aricept ODT oral at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What other drugs will affect Aricept ODT

Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. Using an NSAID with Aricept ODT may increase your risk of stomach ulcer.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Other drugs may affect Aricept ODT, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

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