Tuesday, February 9, 2010
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Aricept Oral

Precautions and Side Effects


Generic Name: DONEPEZIL - ORAL
Pronounced: (doh-NEP-eh-zil)

Aricept Oral Side Effects

Table of Contents

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, tiredness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, or muscle cramps may occur as your body adjusts to the drug. These effects usually last 1-3 weeks and then subside. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

  • mental/mood changes (depression)
  • slow/irregular heartbeat
  • fainting
  • vision problems
  • more frequent urination/trouble urinating
  • weight loss


Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

  • black stools
  • vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • severe stomach/abdominal pain
  • seizures


A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:

  • rash
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • severe dizziness
  • trouble breathing


This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. In the US, you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Aricept Oral Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

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