What is the most important information I should know about donepezil?
Before taking donepezil, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick
sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats), an enlarged prostate, urination problems, asthma, obstructive
pulmonary disease, or a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking
donepezil.
Donepezil can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What is donepezil?
Donepezil improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the
breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KO leen). People with dementia usually
have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and
reasoning.
Donepezil is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.
Donepezil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking donepezil?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to donepezil.
Before taking donepezil, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take donepezil.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether donepezil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a
baby.
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