{"id":54694,"date":"2022-10-19T13:53:38","date_gmt":"2022-10-19T17:53:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=54694"},"modified":"2022-12-07T14:54:48","modified_gmt":"2022-12-07T19:54:48","slug":"donepezil-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/donepezil-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Donepezil side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#common-donepezil-side-effects\">Common donepezil side effects<\/a> | <a href=\"#serious-side-effects\">Serious side effects<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0| <a href=\"#dizziness\">Dizziness<\/a> | <a href=\"#cognitive-functioning\">Cognitive functioning<\/a> | <a href=\"#hallucinations\">Hallucinations<\/a> | <a href=\"#side-effects-timeline\">Side effects timeline<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0| <a href=\"#contraindications\">Contraindications<\/a> | <a href=\"#warnings\">Warnings<\/a> | <a href=\"#interactions\">Interactions<\/a> | <a href=\"#how-to-avoid-side-effects\">How to avoid side effects<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | <a href=\"#how-to-treat-side-effects\">How to treat side effects<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/donepezil-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a generic <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prescription drug<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> known as an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetylcholinesterase inhibitor<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that is used to treat the symptoms of mild to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">severe <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/alzheimers-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Also sold as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">brand-name<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/aricept\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aricept<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat the symptoms of a similar disease, dementia with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lewy bodies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or as short-term therapy to help improve cognitive issues following a stroke. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is one of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/pubs\/afp\/issues\/2017\/0615\/p771.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">three drugs used to improve the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">symptoms of Alzheimer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that are called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/cholinesterase-inhibitors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cholinesterase inhibitors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014the other two are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/rivastigmine-tartrate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rivastigmine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/galantamine-hydrobromide\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">galantamine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These drugs block an enzyme that breaks down <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetylcholine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a chemical that passes signals between nerves. By increasing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetylcholine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, these drugs increase brain activity and so improve cognition, memory, and the ability to function. However, donepezil and similar drugs do not slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer\u2019s. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be taken orally as a tablet or orally dissolving tablet (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ODT<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), but can also be applied as a transdermal patch called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/adlarity\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adlarity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Realistically speaking, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/alzheimers-dementia-medication-management\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">caregivers will be responsible for dosing and managing the person with dementia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so it\u2019s important to understand, recognize, and manage possible <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects of donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"common-donepezil-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of donepezil<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effect<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is nausea, but the types and incidences of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> could vary based on the dose of donepezil and how severe the dementia is. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=bc570682-413b-46fb-a069-c2986884bfce\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In order of incidence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effects of donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insomnia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle cramps<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin discoloration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abnormal dreams<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight loss<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The problem with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s minor <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that some of them are commonly experienced by people with dementia. However, many <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in people taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> occur at a higher rate than in people not taking the drug. For many of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s minor <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it can be hard to know if the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effect<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is associated with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or the underlying condition, but minor side effects usually get better over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of donepezil<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/40104\/donepezil\/Drug-Interactions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious side effects of donepezil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hallucinations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart block<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irregular heartbeats<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/pancreatitis-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swollen pancreas<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe muscle damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hemolytic anemia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urinary obstruction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fainting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastrointestinal bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"dizziness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness is a very common problem in people taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It can also be a problem in people with dementia. Feeling dizzy due to low blood pressure when standing up can be <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/n.neurology.org\/content\/91\/8\/e759\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one of the first warning signs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of Alzheimer\u2019s. Dizziness is also <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/what-lewy-body-dementia-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one of the most common symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of a similar disease called dementia with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lewy bodies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which is also treated off-label with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In clinical trials of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer\u2019s, 8% of people taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> experienced dizziness, but 6% of those not taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reported the same problem. Dizziness itself is a minor <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effect<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> but can cause serious problems such as falling, accidents, and injury. Ask the prescriber for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical advice<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if dizziness is a regular problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"cognitive-functioning\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cognitive functioning<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People prescribed <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> already have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/delirium-vs-dementia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">some degree of cognitive dysfunction<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> involving memory, understanding, thinking, language, reason, and attention. In general, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> improves cognitive ability and the daily life of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamainternalmedicine\/fullarticle\/205223\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">patients with mild to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">moderate Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, it will not stop or necessarily slow the progress of cognitive decline because donepezil doesn\u2019t treat the underlying cause of Alzheimer\u2019s, only the symptoms. In this sense, most people taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for Alzheimer\u2019s disease will experience a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">worsening<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of their cognitive <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">impairment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> over a long period of time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"hallucinations\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hallucinations<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hallucinations are a serious but uncommon <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effect<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, occurring mainly in people who have severe dementia due to Alzheimer\u2019s. Hallucinations, however, are also <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK499922\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a common symptom of dementia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In clinical trials, people taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> experienced hallucinations at only a slightly higher rate than placebo.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the elderly<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alzheimer\u2019s is primarily a disease of the elderly. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK499922\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less than 10%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of people are diagnosed with Alzheimer\u2019s before the age of 65. Clinical trials showed that there is no difference in effectiveness or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> based on advanced age.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"side-effects-timeline\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How soon do <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> start?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/Aricept-donepezil-hydrochloride-138.4002\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">happen early in treatment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> after one or more doses. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> involving the heart can also occur early during treatment. Some <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loss of appetite<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">muscle cramps<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are delayed <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The majority of severe <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are delayed <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is most clearly associated with, such as nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, fatigue, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">muscle cramps<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and headache, usually get better over time. Some of these problems, however, are also associated with dementia. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> caused by <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may improve after the drug has been stopped. Many of the most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may also improve after the drug is discontinued.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the long-term <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects of donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-approved to treat all three stages of Alzheimer\u2019s, so the treatment could last for years. There are no <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> specifically due to long-term use. Because <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> does not slow or stop the progress of Alzheimer\u2019s, the steady loss of cognitive function and other associated neurological deficits can be expected as the disease progresses. However, donepezil can help stabilize cognitive symptoms during the duration of treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"contraindications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contraindications<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is never given to people who have had an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergic reaction<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to the drug.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alzheimer\u2019s is a disease that mainly afflicts people older than 65, so <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has never been studied in pregnant women. It is unknown if there is a risk to the fetus. Donepezil should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because Alzheimer\u2019s is a disease of older adults, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has not been studied in women who are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">breastfeeding<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is not known if <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is present in human breast milk or if it affects a nursing infant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is limited information about the use of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in children. It has never been studied in children and adolescents.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"warnings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though many of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are mild, there are cases where people are more at risk when taking this drug.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cautions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some pre-existing conditions can cause problems when <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is taken. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthcare professionals<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will be careful, monitor for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and may perform extra testing to make sure these problems don\u2019t become severe.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Slow <\/b><b>heart rate<\/b><b> or heart conduction problems:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can slow down the heart in people with a slow <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heart rate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or problems with the way electrical impulses move through the heart (heart conduction problems) such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or certain types of irregular heartbeats.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Gastrointestinal disease:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Drugs like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will increase acid production in the stomach, so the drug can worsen pre-existing conditions such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/ulcer-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ulcers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and gastrointestinal bleeding.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or other lung disease:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may constrict airway passages and increase secretions in the lungs, making breathing harder for people with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/asthma-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">asthma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or chronic <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">obstructive pulmonary disease<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/copd-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COPD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Seizure disorder:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Seizures are a rare <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effect<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but they may be more likely in people who already have problems with seizures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bladder obstruction:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> could block urine outflow from the bladder, making urination even more difficult for people with bladder obstruction.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Liver disease:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be more likely in people with decreased liver function.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Surgery:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> could increase the effects of depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents and may increase muscle relaxation under anesthesia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abuse and dependence<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is not associated with drug abuse, dependency, or withdrawal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overdose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An overdose of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or similar drugs is a medical emergency. Get medical help immediately. Symptoms of an overdose include severe nausea, vomiting, sweating, excess saliva, slow <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heart rate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, low <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood pressure<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">muscle weakness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, convulsions, and slow and shallow breathing. In the worst-case scenario, breathing can stop altogether.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with all <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prescription drugs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can interact with other drugs to produce unwanted problems. The central concerns are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drug interactions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that change the heart\u2019s rhythm or slow the heart. These interactions are rare but can happen with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antiarrhythmics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart rhythm drugs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">quinidine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/beta-blockers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beta blockers<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/macrolides\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Macrolide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> antibiotics\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/quinolones\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quinolone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> antibiotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some cancer drugs called kinase inhibitors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/hiv-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AIDS\/HIV<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antiemetics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anti-nausea drugs<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antimalarials\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drugs that treat malaria<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some antipsychotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some antidepressants<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some drugs, like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, increase <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetylcholine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the body, or they can mimic the action of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetylcholine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The most common are drugs that treat <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">muscle weakness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> due to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/myasthenia-gravis-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">myasthenia gravis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These drugs can worsen the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects of donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> including <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heart problems<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some drugs called anticholinergics block <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetylcholine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, essentially doing the opposite of what <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> does. In this way, anticholinergics work against <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetylcholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, making it less effective. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthcare professionals<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, however, are cautious about using these drugs in people with Alzheimer\u2019s since they can impair cognitive function. When used chronically, anticholinergics <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamainternalmedicine\/fullarticle\/2736353\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may even raise the risk of dementia in older adults<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The most commonly-used anticholinergics are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antidepressants\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antidepressants<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antipsychotics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antipsychotic medications<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/muscarinic-antagonists\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">overactive bladder drugs<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some irritable bowel syndrome (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/ibs-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IBS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain anti-nausea and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/diarrhea-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diarrhea<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Various <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antihistamines\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antihistamines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> including <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/benadryl-allergy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benadryl<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/diphenhydramine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diphenhydramine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dramamine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dramamine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dimenhydrinate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dimenhydrinate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A small number of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/asthma-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">asthma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and COPD drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/epilepsy-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">epilepsy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> drugs such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/carbamazepine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carbamazepine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/phenobarbital\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">phenobarbital<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/phenytoin-sodium-extended\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">phenytoin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/corticosteroids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dexamethasone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dexamethasone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may reduce levels of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and make it less effective.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/nsaids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) can increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems including bleeding or perforation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most people prescribed <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will have the drug administered by a caregiver. It may be difficult to monitor for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but there are ways to help minimize these <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Tell the healthcare provider about all <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In most cases, the prescribing healthcare provider will have a complete medical history and have performed many tests. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=98e451e1-e4d7-4439-a675-c5457ba20975\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most important <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical conditions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the prescriber needs to know about are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma, COPD, or other lung problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any history of seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach ulcers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Problems urinating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any upcoming major surgery<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Tell the prescriber about all medications being taken<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The second most effective way to avoid <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is to make sure both the prescriber and pharmacist have a complete picture of all drugs being taken. The best solution is to prepare a written list that includes all <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prescription drugs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over-the-counter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medications, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">supplements<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> being taken regularly. Share this list with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare professionals<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who are prescribing medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Tell the prescriber if there are problems swallowing tablets<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although it\u2019s not necessarily related to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, there will be problems if a person has difficulty swallowing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tablets. The prescriber can prescribe orally dissolving tablets or a skin patch instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Administer <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as instructed<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are more likely if too much medicine is taken. In many cases, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should be given by a caregiver. The prescribing doctor is the best source for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drug information<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Follow the instructions given by the prescriber and only give one <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dose of donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> per day. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ODT comes in 5 or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 mg tablets<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A 23 mg strength is also available for regular donepezil tablets. A <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">missed dose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should not be taken. Instead, give the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">next dose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when it\u2019s scheduled.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Do not expose the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> skin patch to heat<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One way to avoid taking too much drug is to use <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> skin patches. These will deliver a steady and constant dose throughout the day. However, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1cb44c65-00e8-4b5c-99c2-ad15173115a0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">keep the patch away<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from heat including heating pads, saunas, or excessive sunlight. Heat will cause the skin to absorb more <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, raising the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">risk of side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Avoid <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Popular <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over-the-counter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> pain relievers such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/aspirin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">aspirin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ibuprofen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/naproxen-sodium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> raise the risk of stomach bleeding and pain when taken with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Use <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/acetaminophen-extra-strength\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetaminophen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-treat-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to treat <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects of donepezil<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caregivers will need to closely monitor people taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some minor <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be managed at home, but others will require <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical attention<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have the person sit down or lie down if a bout of dizziness comes on. That person should stay seated or lying until the dizzy spell passes. Then they should rise slowly to avoid becoming dizzy again. The goal is to avoid fainting, falling, accidents, or injury.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart problems<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow heartbeats<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and other <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heart rate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> issues should be reported to the prescribing healthcare provider. However, if the person is fainting, having <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">trouble breathing<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or exhibiting extreme <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tiredness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> along with bradycardia (the heart is beating less than 60 beats per minute), get immediate <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical attention<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty urinating<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If urination frequency declines or the person taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has problems urinating, then immediately call the prescribing healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digestive system problems<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heartburn<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stomach pain<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or nausea should be reported to the prescribing healthcare provider. Vomiting or stomach bleeding, however, should be immediately reported to the prescriber. Symptoms of stomach bleeding include black or tarry stools, blood in the stools, blood in the vomit, or blood clots in the vomit (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/symptoms\/23153-coffee-ground-vomitus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">coffee ground emesis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing problems<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical attention<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or call the prescribing healthcare provider if there are problems breathing such as wheezing or shortness of breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get medical help or call the prescribing healthcare provider if a seizure is experienced during <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">donepezil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sources<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1cb44c65-00e8-4b5c-99c2-ad15173115a0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adlarity prescribing information<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, U.S. National Library of Medicine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK499922\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alzheimer disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, StatPearls<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/pubs\/afp\/issues\/2017\/0615\/p771.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alzheimer disease<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies for cognitive and functional symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Family Physician<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamainternalmedicine\/fullarticle\/2736353\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anticholinergic drug exposure and the risk of dementia: A nested case-control study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">JAMA<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=98e451e1-e4d7-4439-a675-c5457ba20975\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aricept<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> prescribing information<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, U.S. National Library of Medicine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/n.neurology.org\/content\/91\/8\/e759\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Association of orthostatic hypotension with incident dementia, stroke, and cognitive decline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neurology<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/40101\/donepezil\/Adult-Dosing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Epocrates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/Aricept-donepezil-hydrochloride-138.4002\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil hydrochloride<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> drug summary<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Prescriber\u2019s Digital Reference<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=bc570682-413b-46fb-a069-c2986884bfce\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil hydrochloride<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tablet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, U.S. National Library of Medicine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/what-lewy-body-dementia-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lewy body<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dementia? Causes, symptoms, and treatment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Institute on Aging<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamainternalmedicine\/fullarticle\/205223\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donepezil improves cognition and global function in Alzheimer disease: A 15-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">JAMA<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Common donepezil side effects | Serious side effects\u00a0| Dizziness | Cognitive functioning | Hallucinations | Side effects timeline\u00a0| Contraindications | Warnings | Interactions | How to avoid side effects | How to treat side effects Donepezil is a generic prescription drug known as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that is used to treat the symptoms of mild [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":54698,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[12752],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-54694","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-medication-side-effects","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Donepezil side effects and how to avoid them<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Dizziness, cognitive functioning, and hallucinations are common donepezil side effects. 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