Aricept Odt

Information on Aricept Odt

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Chemical Name: DONEPEZIL (doh-NEP-eh-zil)

Common uses
This medicine is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to treat loss of memory and thinking ability associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking anticholinergics (such as atropine, scopolamine, benztropine, or diphenhydramine), succinylcholine, neostigmine, bethanechol, or medicines that increase the metabolism of other medicines (such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, dexamethasone, rifampin, or phenobarbital). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including seizures, liver disease, heart problems, stomach or intestinal problems (such as ulcers), asthma, lung disease (such as obstructive pulmonary disease), trouble urinating, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. ALLOW THIS MEDICINE TO DISSOLVE ON THE TONGUE and follow with water. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. TAKE THIS MEDICINE in the evening, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are taking 1 dose daily at bedtime, skip the missed dose. DO NOT take the dose in the morning or take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product or to any piperidine derivative (such as glutethimide). DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, drowsiness, weight loss, muscle or joint pain, sleeplessness, or unusual dreams. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience headache, dizziness or fainting, vision problems, chest pain, joint pain, depression, unusual dreams, new mental changes, rash, stomach pain, frequent urination, unsteadiness. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience slow or irregular heartbeat, slurred speech, seizures, or black stools. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, sweating, slow pulse, dizziness, lightheadedness, slow breathing, and seizures.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.