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Donepezil Coupon - Donepezil 10mg tablet

donepezil

Generic Aricept
Used for Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia
Used for Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia

Donepezil (Aricept) is a medication that's used to help adults with symptoms of dementia related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). It belongs to the drug class called cholinesterase inhibitors. Donepezil (Aricept) is taken once a day. It comes as both a brand-name and generic tablet that you swallow. There's also a generic orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that melts on the tongue. Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and trouble sleeping.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 30, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
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What is Donepezil (Aricept)?

What is Donepezil (Aricept) used for?

How Donepezil (Aricept) works

Donepezil (Aricept) is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It's not exactly clear how it helps with memory problems and other symptoms of dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.

The medication blocks the body from breaking down acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a chemical in the brain has a key role in helping you learn and remember things. Raising the acetylcholine levels might help improve some symptoms of Alzheimer's-related dementia.

Are you looking for information on Adlarity (donepezil) patch instead?
When does Donepezil (Aricept) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAricept
Drug ClassCholinesterase inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

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What are the side effects of Donepezil (Aricept)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea (11%)
  • Diarrhea (10%)
  • Headache (10%)
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia, 9%)
  • Pain (9%)
  • Dizziness (8%)
  • Muscle cramps (6%)
  • Tiredness (5%)
  • Vomiting (5%)
  • Loss of appetite (4%)

Other Side Effects

  • Bruising
  • Sleepiness
  • Fainting
  • Depression
  • Strange dreams
  • Weight loss
  • Arthritis (joint pain or swelling)
  • Urinating more often
Note: Side effects were reported by people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.
When do Donepezil (Aricept) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Risk of dizziness
Risk of having trouble sleeping
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

More on Donepezil (Aricept) side effects

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12 Donepezil Side Effects You Should Know About

Written by Taylor K. Clarke, PharmD

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Diarrhea

loss of appetite

muscle cramps

nausea

trouble in sleeping

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Less common

Abnormal dreams

constipation

dizziness

drowsiness

fainting

frequent urination

headache

joint pain, stiffness, or swelling

mental depression

pain

unusual bleeding or bruising

weight loss

Rare

Black, tarry stools

bloating

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

burning, prickling, or tingling sensations

cataract

chills

clumsiness or unsteadiness

confusion

cough

decreased urination

difficult or painful urination

dryness of mouth

eye irritation

fever

flushing of skin

frequent urge to urinate

high or low blood pressure

hives

hot flashes

increase in sexual desire or performance

increased heart rate and breathing

increased sweating

increased urge to urinate during the night

irregular heartbeat

itching

loss of bladder control

loss of bowel control

mood or mental changes, including abnormal crying, aggression, agitation, delusions, irritability, nervousness, or restlessness

nasal congestion

pain in chest, upper stomach, or throat

problems with speech

runny nose

severe thirst

shortness of breath

sneezing

sore throat

sunken eyes

tightness in chest

tremor

troubled breathing

wheezing

wrinkled skin

Incidence not known

Back, leg, or stomach pains

bleeding gums

chest pain or discomfort

coma

convulsions

dark urine

difficulty breathing

fast or irregular heartbeat

fatigue

general body swelling

general tiredness and weakness

high fever

increased thirst

indigestion

light-colored stools

muscle pain or cramps

nausea and vomiting

nosebleeds

pains in stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

pale skin

rash

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

seizures

severe muscle stiffness

severe nausea

slow or irregular heartbeat

stomach pain

sweating

swelling of face, ankles, or hands

tiredness

unusually pale skin

upper right abdominal or stomach pain

yellow eyes and skin

Symptoms of overdose

Convulsions (seizures)

increased sweating

increased watering of mouth

increasing muscle weakness

low blood pressure

severe nausea

severe vomiting

slow heartbeat

troubled breathing

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Donepezil (Aricept)

thumbs-up

Pros

First-choice treatment option for Alzheimer's disease

Can help with all stages of Alzheimer's disease (mild, moderate, or severe)

Taken once a day with or without food

Dissolvable pills available for some people who have trouble swallowing pills (5 mg and 10 mg only)

thumbs-down

Cons

Not a cure for Alzheimer's

Often causes nausea and diarrhea

Can have interactions with anticholinergic medications like oxybutynin and scopolamine (Transderm Scop)

Might not be a good option for people with a history of stomach ulcers or breathing problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Donepezil (Aricept)

pharmacist

  • Take donepezil (Aricept) in the evening around bedtime. Taking it right before bedtime can help you sleep through some side effects like dizziness.

    • You can take donepezil (Aricept) with or without food. If you have nausea from the medication, taking it with food might help ease this side effect.

      • For the orally disintegrating tablet (ODT): Don't swallow the tablet whole. Place it on your tongue, and let the tablet dissolve. Drink a glass of water after the tablet dissolves to make sure you take your full dose.

        • Donepezil (Aricept) often causes diarrhea. If this happens, make sure to stay hydrated. Staying away from spicy, greasy, and high-fiber foods can also help with mild diarrhea. Watch for signs of dehydration and know when to get help. Ask a healthcare professional for more ways to manage diarrhea.

          • Try to avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil). Taking them with donepezil (Aricept) can raise your risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.

            • If you miss a dose of donepezil (Aricept), skip your missed dose. Wait to take your usual dose the next day. Don't take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose because this can raise your risk of side effects.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Donepezil (Aricept)

              Why is donepezil (Aricept) taken at night?
              It's recommended to take donepezil (Aricept) at night so you can sleep through some side effects like dizziness and stomach upset. But some people can have abnormal dreams or trouble sleeping when they take it at night. If this happens to you, talk to your prescriber about the best time for you to take donepezil (Aricept).
              Is donepezil (Aricept) an antipsychotic?
              No, donepezil (Aricept) isn't an antipsychotic. It's a type of medication called a cholinesterase inhibitor. Donepezil (Aricept) helps stop the body from breaking down acetylcholine. This is a chemical in the brain that's important for memory and learning.
              What is the maximum dose of donepezil (Aricept)?
              For mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease, the highest recommended dose of donepezil (Aricept) is 10 mg each day. For moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease, the highest recommended dose is 23 mg each day. Talk to your prescriber about what dose is right for you.
              What happens if you take a double dose of donepezil (Aricept)?
              It depends on how much donepezil (Aricept) you've actually taken. But taking too high of a dose or too much can lead to more intense side effects like nausea and vomiting. It could also cause more side effects to happen. In severe cases, you could have seizures and breathing problems. If you think you might've taken too much donepezil (Aricept), call a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
              Is donepezil (Aricept) a controlled substance?
              No, donepezil (Aricept) isn't a controlled substance. It isn't known to cause misuse or dependence.
              How long does it take for donepezil (Aricept) to work?
              You might start to notice your memory or thinking get better within a month or so after you start taking donepezil (Aricept). Most studies looked at changes in memory, language, and attention after at least 1 month of treatment. Take the medication every day, even if you don't see a difference right away. Ask a caregiver to help you remember to take donepezil (Aricept), or set a reminder for yourself. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about how long it's taking for the medication to work.
              Does donepezil (Aricept) make you sleepy?
              Sleepiness is a possible side effect of donepezil (Aricept). But it wasn't reported very often during studies. Tell your prescriber if you feel drowsy and it's bothering you or it doesn't go away.
              Can donepezil (Aricept) and memantine be taken together?
              Yes, you can take donepezil (Aricept) and memantine (Namenda) together. They work in different ways to help treat Alzheimer's disease. In fact, people who take memantine (Namenda) often take it together with donepezil (Aricept). There's even a single tablet that combines both medications (called Namzaric). Talk to your prescriber to see if taking both medications is right for you.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Donepezil (Aricept)?

              Donepezil (Aricept) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Slower heartbeat

              Medications like donepezil (Aricept) can sometimes slow down your heartbeat. This can make you feel dizzy or out of breath. In some cases, slow heartbeat can lead to fainting. Let your prescriber know if you have any falls or start to feel lightheaded while taking donepezil (Aricept). They might need to lower your dose.

              risk-warning

              Nausea and vomiting

              • Risk factors: Taking a higher dose of donepezil (Aricept) | People weighing less than 121 lbs

                Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common side effects of donepezil (Aricept). These side effects are more common when you first start the medication and when you start a higher dose. They typically go away after a couple weeks of taking the same dose.

                Tell your prescriber if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that bothers you a lot. This is important if the side effects keep you from taking your medication every day. Your prescriber can see how they can help you manage these side effects.

                risk-warning

                Stomach ulcers and bleeds

                • Risk factors: Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | History of stomach ulcers or bleeds | Taking the 23 mg dose of donepezil (Aricept)

                  Donepezil (Aricept) can raise the amount of stomach acid your body makes. Although rare, this can put you at risk of stomach ulcers and bleeds.

                  People who take the 23 mg dose of donepezil (Aricept) might have a higher risk of these stomach issues. NSAIDs can also raise the risk of stomach bleeding. Because of this, you should try to avoid taking NSAIDs, which are common in over-the-counter cold and pain medications, at the same time as donepezil (Aricept).

                  Talk to a healthcare professional if you have stomach pain, heartburn, or indigestion that gets worse while taking donepezil (Aricept). These could be signs of a stomach ulcer. Also, watch out for possible signs of stomach bleeding like red, black, or tarry stool. The healthcare professional can help figure out what's going on.

                  risk-warning

                  Weight loss

                  • Risk factors: Taking a higher dose of donepezil (Aricept)

                    In studies, some people lost weight while taking donepezil (Aricept). In general, more people who took the 23 mg dose lost weight than those who took the 10 mg dose of the medication. Tell your prescriber if this worries you or if you notice unexpected weight loss.

                    risk-warning

                    Caution use in people with urinary problems

                    Medications like donepezil (Aricept) can sometimes make it harder to fully empty your bladder. Tell your prescriber if you have any trouble urinating.

                    risk-warning

                    Caution use in people with breathing problems

                    • Risk factors: Asthma | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

                      Tell your prescriber if you have breathing problems, like asthma or COPD. Medications like donepezil (Aricept) might affect breathing. Your prescriber can talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking donepezil (Aricept).

                      dosage

                      Donepezil (Aricept) dosage forms

                      The average cost for 30 tablets of 10mg of Donepezil (Aricept) is $9.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 90.59% off the average retail price of $95.62.
                      orally disintegrating tab
                      Orally disintegrating tab
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      5mg90 orally disintegrating tabs$33.55$0.37
                      10mg90 orally disintegrating tabs$36.16$0.40
                      tablet
                      Tablet
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      5mg30 tablets$9.00$0.30
                      10mg30 tablets$9.00$0.30
                      23mg90 tablets$59.25$0.66

                      Typical dosing for Donepezil (Aricept)

                      • Mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease: The usual starting dose is 5 mg by mouth once in the evening before bedtime. If needed, the prescriber can raise the dose up to a maximum of 10 mg each day.

                      • Moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease: The usual starting dose is 5 mg by mouth once in the evening before bedtime. If needed, the prescriber can raise the dose up to a maximum of 23 mg each day.

                      The 5 mg and 10 mg doses come as tablets you swallow and orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) that melt on your tongue. The 23 mg dose only comes as a tablet you swallow whole.

                      More on Donepezil (Aricept) dosage forms

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                      interactions

                      Interactions between Donepezil (Aricept) and other drugs

                      Donepezil (Aricept) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Donepezil (Aricept). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

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                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                      contraindications-icon

                      Donepezil (Aricept) contraindications

                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Donepezil (Aricept) will not be safe for you to take.
                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Donepezil (Aricept)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Donepezil (Aricept). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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                      Memantine (Nameda)
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                      latest news

                      What is the latest news about Donepezil (Aricept)?

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                      Learn exactly how donepezil works as our experts explain everything to know about its mechanism of action.

                      Donepezil’s Mechanism of Action: How This Medication for Alzheimer’s Disease Works

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                      Read on to learn the side effects of donepezil (Aricept, Adlarity), including common, rare, and long-term effects, as well as how to manage them.

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                      If you take donepezil (Adlarity, Aricept), it’s recommended to be careful with anticholinergic medications and beta blockers. See more donepezil interactions with GoodRx.

                      7 Donepezil Interactions You Should Know About

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                      Donepezil and rivastigmine patches are in the same class of medications and have similar uses. However, there are a few differences to keep in mind.

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                      Aricept and Adlarity are two versions of the same Alzheimer’s medication (donepezil) — one is a patch and the other is a tablet. Compare side effects and costs here.

                      Aricept vs. Adlarity for Alzheimer’s-Related Dementia

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                      Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a stage of abnormal cognition that includes memory loss. In terms of seriousness, MCI is between normal age-related change and dementia. Learn about the changes that occur with MCI and its treatment or reversal, with GoodRx.

                      What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment? Can You Treat It?

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                      Sam’s Club Now Offers More Prescription Savings for Plus Members

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                      images

                      Donepezil (Aricept) images

                      Peach Round 10 - Donepezil Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet
                      This medicine is Peach, Round Tablet Imprinted With "10".Peach Round 10 - Donepezil Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet
                      Yellow Round Ml 88 - Donepezil Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet
                      This medicine is Yellow, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Ml 88".Yellow Round Ml 88 - Donepezil Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet
                      Yellow Round 140 And Sg - Donepezil Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet
                      This medicine is Yellow, Round Tablet Imprinted With "140" And "Sg".Yellow Round 140 And Sg - Donepezil Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet
                      Yellow Round Hh210 - Donepezil Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet
                      This medicine is Yellow, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Hh210".Yellow Round Hh210 - Donepezil Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet
                      Yellow Round L 161 - Donepezil Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet
                      This medicine is Yellow, Round Tablet Imprinted With "L 161".Yellow Round L 161 - Donepezil Hydrochloride 10mg Tablet

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