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 disorder.
It is not known whether Aricept will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
It is not known whether donepezil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Aricept?
Take Aricept exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take Aricept with or without food.
Do not crush, chew, or break the regular tablet. Swallow it whole.
To take the orally disintegrating tablet (Aricept ODT):
Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it. Open the package and peel or cut the backing from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the backing or you may damage the tablet.
Use dry hands to remove the tablet and place it in your mouth.
Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. After the tablet dissolves completely, drink a glass of water.
If you need surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Aricept. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
You should not stop using Aricept without your doctor's advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
