Aricept is one of a group of drugs called "cholinesterase inhibitors" which is used to treat symptoms in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer Disease.

Information:

How does it help?
Aricept is intended to treat symptoms in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer Disease. In clinical trials, individuals who took the drug when compared to individuals who took a placebo (a substance which looks like the drug but has no effect), showed improvement or no further decline in cognition (including memory, orientation, language) and function (including performance of daily activities).
The medication may take as long as 12 weeks to begin working, and the type and length of response to this medication will vary from person to person.

Will this medication cure Alzheimer Disease?
Aricept is not a cure for Alzheimer Disease as it does not affect the underlying degenerative process of the disease.

Who should take this medication?
The medication is approved for people who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer Disease.

How do you obtain this medication?
Aricept can only be obtained with a prescription from a doctor after a diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease has been made.

Important! Things to know before taking this medication
You should tell the doctor if you are allergic to donepezil hydrochloride or piperidine derivatives such as Mycobutin (rifabutin), Ritalin (methylphenidate), Akineton (biperiden HCI), Artane (trihexyphenidyl HCI), Bupivacaine HCI, and Paxil (paroxetine HCI). You should also tell your doctor if you have a condition affecting your heart or your lungs; if you have had seizures; if you have had fainting spells; and if you have a history of peptic ulcers or have an increased risk of developing ulcers (for example, if you are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] or high doses of acetylsalicylic acid [ASA/Aspirin]). Aricept should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How do you take this medication?
Take only as prescribed by your doctor. Never change the dose yourself.
Take in the evening, just before going to bed. If you experience insomnia (difficulty sleeping), the medication may be taken in the morning.
This medication may be taken with or without food.
If you miss taking a dose do not worry. Take the next dose when it is due.
Do NOT take 2 doses at once.
If you have problems remembering to take medications, it may be necessary to have someone manage this for you.
The medication is available in a blisterpack to help remind you to take your medication every day. Ask your physician or pharmacist for more details.
What are the possible side effects?
Along with its beneficial effect, Aricept may cause some undesirable reactions. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue and loss of appetite. In clinical studies these effects were often mild, and generally went away with continued treatment. In clinical studies some people treated with the drug experienced fainting. If you feel unwell in any other way or have any symptoms that you do not understand, or find distressing, you should contact your doctor immediately.