DONEPEZIL

Not available.

Side effects may range from mild to serious complications.  Consult your doctor immediately when you feel the following symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite/weight loss, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, trouble sleeping, shakiness (tremor), or muscle cramps may occur as your body adjusts to the drug, trouble urinating, severe stomach/abdominal pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, seizures, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.

Seek emergency medical help if you expereince allergies (rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing) or the symptoms mentioned above while taking this drug.

Precautions

Inform your doctor of your allergies (food or drugs), medical conditions and  medical history before taking this drug, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), fainting, seizures, stomach/intestinal disease (such as ulcers, bleeding), trouble urinating (such as enlarged prostate), Irregular heart rhythm (QT prolongation)- severe dizziness, fainting especially those with history of certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).  Other conditions that increase the risk of QT prolongation are: low levels of potassium or magnesium, severe sweating, diarrhea and vomiting, diuretic pills. Older adults may have an increased risk to the side effects.

Do not perform activities that require alertness such as driving and using machinery because this drug can make you dizzy.

For pregnant and nursing (breastfeeding) women, consult your doctor before using this medication.

Interactions 

Before using this drug, tell your doctor of the current medications, products (herbal/nonprescription) that you are taking especially of: aspirin/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen), pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen) that if taken together with donepezil may increase your risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued.

Consult your doctor for more information on this.

Overdose

Get medical emergency help immediately when you experience symptoms of overdose-severe or persistent nausea/vomiting, excessive sweating, very slow heartbeat, slow or shallow breathing, seizures.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Discard the drug properly- do not throw in toilet or sink.

Brands

Also marketed as