Why is this medication prescribed?

Aricept ODT is primarily prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. It belongs to a class of medications known as cholinesterase inhibitors, which work by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine in the brain. Donepezil helps improve mental function by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is important for memory, thinking, and reasoning.

Aricept ODT is used for:

• Mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: To help improve cognitive function and slow down the symptoms related to memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive impairments.
• Moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease: To provide symptomatic relief and help maintain function in areas like communication, personal care, and daily activities.

How should this medicine be used?

How to Use Aricept ODT (Donepezil):

• Dosage and Administration: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the dose and frequency. The typical starting dose is often 5 mg once daily, which may be increased to 10 mg once daily after 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your response and tolerance. It is usually taken once daily, in the evening, just before bedtime. This timing helps reduce potential side effects, like nausea, which can occur more frequently if taken during the day.
• Administration:
  • Orally Disintegrating Tablet: Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve completely. You do not need to swallow it with water. The tablet dissolves quickly and can be swallowed or simply absorbed by the mouth.
  • Do Not Chew: Avoid chewing or crushing the tablet.
• Regular Use: Take Aricept ODT at the same time each day to maintain even levels of the medication in your body.
• If You Miss a Dose: Take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
• Store Properly: Keep the tablets in their original packaging, in a dry place at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not store them in the bathroom.
• Avoid Moisture: Keep the blister pack sealed until you are ready to take the tablet to protect it from moisture.

If you have any questions about your specific dosing or how to use the medication, your healthcare provider or pharmacist can provide detailed instructions tailored to your situation.

Other uses for this medicine

Aricept ODT (orally disintegrating tablet) is primarily used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. However, it may also be used off-label for:

• Dementia with Lewy bodies: To manage cognitive symptoms associated with this type of dementia.
• Vascular dementia: To help improve cognition in cases of dementia resulting from reduced blood flow to the brain.
• Cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease: To alleviate cognitive symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions to Follow for Aricept ODT:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to donepezil or similar medications.
• Medical History: Disclose your full medical history, especially if you have a history of heart problems (like sick sinus syndrome), ulcers, asthma, seizures, or liver disease.
• Surgery: Inform your doctor that you are using donepezil if you are scheduled for surgery, as it can interact with anesthesia.
• Bradycardia: Donepezil can slow the heart rate, which may be particularly risky if you have heart conduction issues.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Use caution if you have or have had gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers, as donepezil can increase stomach acid production.
• Respiratory Conditions: If you have a history of respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, monitor for worsening symptoms.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Medication Interactions: Be aware of potential interactions with other medications, such as NSAIDs, anticholinergic drugs, and certain heart medications.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• No Specific Dietary Restrictions: There are no specific dietary restrictions required while taking Aricept ODT. However, taking the medication with food may help minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or upset stomach.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you experience side effects like diarrhea or vomiting, to prevent dehydration.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Take the Missed Dose as Soon as You Remember: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
• Skip if Close to Next Dose: If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Do Not Double the Dose: Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Aricept ODT (Generic Donepezil) can cause various side effects. It’s important to be aware of these and contact your healthcare provider if you experience any severe or persistent symptoms.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Dizziness
• Headache

Less Common but More Serious Side Effects:

• Bradycardia (slow heart rate): Signs may include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or palpitations.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers: Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, blood in stools, or black, tarry stools.
• Seizures or convulsions
• Urinary incontinence or difficulty urinating
• Hepatitis or liver damage: Signs might include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, or severe fatigue.
• Respiratory issues, including bronchospasm (especially in people with asthma or COPD)
• Rash or allergic reactions: This may involve itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which may require immediate medical attention.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): A rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by high fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, confusion, and irregular heartbeats.

If you experience severe side effects such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or other symptoms indicating a serious reaction, seek medical attention immediately.

For milder side effects like nausea or diarrhea that persist or worsen, talk to your healthcare provider for possible adjustments or supportive care.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Aricept ODT:

Storage:

• Keep Aricept ODT in its original container with the lid tightly closed.
• Store it at room temperature (between 68°F to 77°F or 20°C to 25°C).
• Protect it from light, moisture, and heat.
• Do not store it in the bathroom or areas with high humidity.

Disposal:

• Do not flush Aricept ODT down the toilet or pour it into a drain unless instructed to do so.
• Properly dispose of Aricept ODT by taking it to a medication take-back program if available in your community.
• If a take-back program is not available, check for any specific disposal instructions from your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Signs of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, increased drooling, sweating, slow heartbeat, dizziness, muscle weakness, convulsions, or fainting.
• If someone has collapsed, is not breathing, or has a seizure, call emergency services (911) immediately.
• If an overdose is suspected but the person is alert, you can contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 in the United States.

What other information should I know?

• Keep all medical appointments to monitor your response to the medication.
• Inform your doctor of any allergies or existing medical conditions, especially if you have heart problems, asthma, or stomach ulcers.
• Always inform your healthcare provider about all other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are using, as they may interact with Aricept ODT.
• Do not share your medication with others, even if they have similar symptoms.
• Be aware of possible side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, muscle cramps, or loss of appetite, and report any severe or unusual symptoms to your doctor.