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ARICEPT
IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING ARICEPT.
DONEPEZIL - ORAL (doh-NEP-eh-zil)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Aricept
USES:
ARICEPT is used to treat Alzheimer's disease.
HOW TO TAKE ARICEPT:
Take ARICEPT orally. It is usually taken once daily just before
bedtime. ARICEPT may be taken with or without food. If you
experience sleeping problems (e.g., insomnia), consult your doctor
about switching to morning dosing. It may take a few weeks before
the full effects of donepezil are noticed. Take donepezil exactly as
directed. Do not stop taking it or increase the dosage unless your
doctor instructs you to do so.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Donepezil may cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, insomnia, muscle
cramps, unusual tiredness or loss of appetite. If these effects
continue or worsen, contact your doctor. Unlikely but report
headache, dizziness or fainting, weight loss, vision problems, chest
pain, joint pain, depression, unusual dreams, drowsiness, new mental
changes, rash, stomach pain, frequent urination or unsteadiness.
Very unlikely but report slow or irregular heartbeat, slurred
speech, seizures or black stools. If you notice other effects not
listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking donepezil tell your doctor if you have a history of
seizures, liver disease, heart problems, stomach or intestinal
problems, lung disease or allergies, especially any drug allergies.
Because of the possibility ARICEPT will make you dizzy and affect
coordination, do not drive or operate machinery until you get used
to the drug's effects. Limit or avoid alcohol intake as it may
increase the possibility you will get dizzy or sleepy. ARICEPT
should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss
the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if donepezil
is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Before taking ARICEPT tell your doctor of all prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking especially
anticholinergics (e.g., atropine, scopolamine, benztropine,
diphenhydramine), succinylcholine, neostigmine or bethanechol. Do
not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
severe nausea, vomiting, sweating, slow pulse, dizziness,
lightheadedness, slow breathing, and seizures.
NOTES:
Do not share ARICEPT with others.
MISSED DOSE:
Take any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost
time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the
missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not
"double-up" the dose.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30
degrees C). Keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in
the bathroom.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For
information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In
Canada call 1-800-668-1507.
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