Aricept ODT (Donepezil)

What is Aricept ODT?

Aricept (donepezil) is an enzyme blocker that helps improve the function of nerve cells (in the brain).

What is Aricept ODT used for?

Aricept is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate confusion or dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Although the drug does not cure Alzheimer’s disease, it may improve memory, reasoning, and the brain’s ability to function.

How does Aricept ODT work?

Aricept works by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine and restoring the balance of certain natural substances in the brain. These natural substances are called neurotransmitters.

How to use Aricept ODT

Aricept should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

Aricept is usually taken once daily, with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food or milk. It is advisable that you take the medicine before going to bed.

Before using the orally disintegrating tablets or Aricept ODT, wash and dry your hands. Place the tablet on the tongue and it will soon begin to dissolve. Do not chew the tablet. Drink a glass of water after the tablet dissolves completely.

Aricept ODT warnings and precautions

Do not take this drug if you are allergic to donepezil or to any of the components of Aricept.

Prior to taking the medicine, tell your doctor if you have asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), epilepsy, a heart rhythm disorder (e.g., sick sinus syndrome), an enlarged prostate, urination problems, or a history of stomach ulcers.

While using Aricept, avoid performing activities that require alertness (e.g., driving).

Pregnant women should not take this drug as it can cause harm to an unborn baby. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance about the use of this drug. It is not known if the drug passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Therefore, lactating women ought to consult their doctors before starting to take the drug.

What do I do if I have missed a Aricept ODT dose?

If you have missed your Aricept dose you should take it as and when you remember it. If you get to remember of the dose at the time of your next dose, it is advisable that you skip the dose that you missed. Also, do not try to cover up the missed dose by taking extra medicine.

What do I do if I have taken a Aricept ODT overdose?

If you have taken an Aricept overdose you should seek medical help.

Aricept ODT interactions

Before using Aricept, consult your doctor if you take belladonna, atropine (Donnatal), dicyclomine (Bentyl), dexamethasone (Decadron), clidinium (Quarzan), glycopyrrolate (Robinul), mepenzolate (Cantil), methscopolamine (Pamine), carbamazepine (Tegretol), scopolamine (Transderm-Scop), methantheline (Provocholine), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), hyoscyamine (Cystospaz, Anaspaz, Levsin), propantheline (Pro-Banthine), phenytoin (Dilantin), quinidine (Quinidex, Cardioquin, Quinaglute), rifampin (Rifamate, Rifadin, Rifater); non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, diflunisal (Dolobid), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), ketoprofen (Orudis), diclofenac (Voltaren), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), etodolac (Lodine), nabumetone (Relafen), indomethacin (Indocin), ketorolac (Toradol), meloxicam (Mobic), piroxicam (Feldene); or a fungal antibiotic such as fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox).

Aricept ODT side effects

Aricept side effects include hives, vomit with blood, pain or difficulty while urinating, bloody or black stools, seizure (convulsions or blackout), swelling, and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor right away.

Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, fatigue, and insomnia are some less serious side effects from Aricept.