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What are the side effects of Aricept?

Aricept (generic name donepezil) helps improve memory in people with Alzheimer’s disease. It belongs to a group of medicines called cholinesterase inhibitors.

Aricept’s most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, weight loss, muscle cramps, and fatigue. Patients can reduce the risk of side effects by starting with a low dose and then gradually increasing the dosage over a period of several weeks.

Aricept can worsen certain disorders, including stomach ulcers, abnormal heart rhythms, breathing problems, or seizures. If you have a history of any of these problems, use Aricept only with careful monitoring by a physician.

Sources:
Aricept Product Information, Eisai Inc./Pfizer Inc., 2006.
Birks J S, Melzer D. “Donepezil for Mild and Moderate Alzheimer's Disease (Cochrane Review).” The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2000. Oxford: Update Software.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and & Comparisons, 2006.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.

This answer prepared: 8/24/2000.
This information updated 1/25/2007.