Donepezil (genric Aricept) is a prescription medication that is used to treat dementia in people who have Alzheimer’s disease. Donepezil helps to improve mental function (memory, awareness, and the ability to function) by increasing the amount of certain natural substances in the brain (known as neurotransmitters).

Donepezil can improve mental clarity and may help to slow the loss of function in people who have Alzheimer's disease. However, it can not cure the disease or prevent the loss of mental abilities in the future. Talk to your doctor about whether donepezil may be right for you.

While adverse reactions to donepezil are uncommon, some patients who take the drug may experience mild side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, headache, dizziness, and drowsiness. These effects usually go away within 1-3 weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. Tell your healthcare provider if any of these are severe or don’t go away.

Severe side effects are rare but may occur. Get immediate medical attention if you experience any severe abdominal pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, seizures, trouble urinating, or signs of an allergic reaction (such as rash; hives; itching; swelling of the face, mouth, or throat; or trouble breathing or swallowing). Talk to your doctor about your medical history - particularly if you have or have ever had bleeding in your stomach or intestines; an ulcer; irregular, slow, or fast heartbeat; seizures; difficulty urinating; asthma; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); or kidney, liver, or heart disease.

Inform your doctor of all known allergies and of all medications, supplements, and herbal products that you take. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

This is not a complete list of side effects or precautions. For more information please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed webpage for Donepezil.

You should expect to give it a little time. It usually takes at least a month for donepezil to start to work, though it can take even longer for some people.

Donepezil helps control the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease but does not cure it. Continue to take donepezil even if you feel well. Do not stop taking donepezil without talking to your doctor.

You will generally be started on a dose of 5 mg taken once a day before bed. After four to six weeks of using donepezil, your doctor may increase your dose to 10 mg a day, provided you are not experiencing any adverse reactions and the doctor deems it beneficial.

Your prescription could differ. Take donepezil as prescribed to you by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed.

Donepezil is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not donepezil is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Yes! Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your clinician.