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General Medication Fact Sheet for Donepezil
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Donepezil |
| Brand Name Versions | Aricept |
| Purpose | Treats dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease |
| Mechanism of Action | Reversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets, orally disintegrating tablets |
| Available Strengths | 5 mg, 10 mg, 23 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Once daily |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, muscle cramps, fatigue |
| Serious Side Effects | Slow heartbeat, fainting, seizures, stomach ulcers, difficulty urinating |
| Drug Interactions | NSAIDs, anticholinergics, cholinesterase inhibitors, beta-blockers, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibitors |
| Important Notes | Take as directed; may cause dizziness. Inform your doctor of any heart conditions. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Rivastigmine, Galantamine, Memantine |
Donepezil Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rivastigmine (Exelon) | Cholinesterase inhibitor | Available as a patch or oral capsule. |
| Galantamine (Razadyne) | Cholinesterase inhibitor and nicotinic receptor modulator | May improve cognitive function and alertness. |
| Memantine (Namenda) | NMDA receptor antagonist | Works differently than cholinesterase inhibitors; often used in combination with them. |
Donepezil Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Slow heartbeat |
| Diarrhea | Fainting |
| Insomnia | Seizures |
| Muscle cramps | Stomach ulcers |
| Fatigue | Difficulty urinating |
Donepezil Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer’s Disease (Mild to Moderate) | 5 mg | 10 mg once daily | Take in the evening, just before bed. |
| Alzheimer’s Disease (Moderate to Severe) | 5 mg | 23 mg once daily | May be increased after being on 10 mg for at least 3 months. |
Donepezil Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $15 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $15- $40 |
| From CPS | $13.99 |
