Aricept® Tablets for Alzheimer’s Disease

This prescription medicine helps manage symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. It may support memory, thinking, and daily function. This page explains how it’s used and what to expect.

What Aricept Is and How It Works

Aricept® contains donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor that increases acetylcholine levels in the brain. That mechanism can help maintain cognition and daily activities in people with Alzheimer’s disease. If you plan to receive US delivery from Canada, you can review options and compare access. If paying Aricept without insurance, you may still find consistent value through Canadian supply. Effectiveness and tolerability vary; follow your prescriber’s guidance.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

The therapy is approved to treat mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s disease. It works centrally and does not cure the condition. Response can differ by stage and other medicines. Learn more about the condition in our resources: What Is Alzheimers and Alzheimers Disease.

Who It’s For

This treatment is for adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, across mild to severe stages. The Aricept tablet is typically used once daily. People with known hypersensitivity to donepezil or piperidine derivatives should avoid this medicine. Use caution in those with certain heart rhythm problems, active gastrointestinal ulcers, severe asthma or COPD, difficulty urinating, or seizure disorders. A healthcare professional will determine suitability based on medical history and current therapies.

Families and caregivers often participate in monitoring everyday function. For broader neurological topics, see our Neurology category.

Dosage and Usage

Donepezil is usually started once daily in the evening. Prescribers may begin at a low strength and may increase after a period of assessment. Some patients take the dose in the morning if sleep is disrupted. Swallow film-coated tablets with water. The orally disintegrating option is placed on the tongue to dissolve before swallowing. Do not split or crush extended-release products. Follow the official label and your prescriber’s schedule.

Typical labeled titration allows an initial period at 5 mg daily, then 10 mg daily if tolerated. For moderate to severe disease, a higher single strength may be considered after a stable period on 10 mg daily; it must be swallowed whole. Always use the smallest effective dose consistent with tolerability.

Strengths and Forms

Common presentations include film-coated tablets in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 23 mg. Orally disintegrating tablets are generally offered in 5 mg and 10 mg. Availability can vary by manufacturer and market. Some patients may prefer the donepezil orally disintegrating tablet when swallowing is difficult. Check current stock when you order; exact packaging and tablet markings can differ among suppliers.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered the same day. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue with the regular schedule. Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed tablet. If several doses are missed, your prescriber may advise restarting at a lower strength. Keep a simple daily routine to reduce the chance of missed doses.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original container with the lid closed. Protect from moisture and excessive heat. Keep out of reach of children and pets. When traveling, carry your medicine in hand luggage along with a copy of your prescription. A travel pill organizer can help, but keep one labeled bottle for identification. Avoid storing tablets in bathrooms or hot cars. Our checkout is encrypted to protect your information.

Benefits

This medicine may help maintain memory, attention, and the ability to manage daily tasks. Benefits can include support with orientation and communication. The once-daily schedule is convenient for caregivers. An orally disintegrating form can help those with swallowing difficulties. Continued use is often guided by observed function and tolerability rather than test scores alone.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea or vomiting, often transient
• Diarrhea or loss of appetite
• Insomnia or vivid dreams
• Fatigue or muscle cramps
• Headache or dizziness

Serious effects are less common but can occur. These may include slow heart rate, fainting, gastrointestinal bleeding (risk may increase with NSAIDs), worsening asthma or COPD symptoms, seizures, or urinary obstruction. Contact a healthcare professional urgently if you notice black stools, severe dizziness, chest pain, or breathing difficulty. People with conduction abnormalities or a history of ulcers need particular caution.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your prescriber about all medicines and supplements. Anticholinergic products may reduce the effect of this therapy. NSAIDs may increase gastrointestinal bleeding risk. Beta blockers and other agents that lower heart rate can add to bradycardia. Certain anesthesia medicines (succinylcholine-type) can have enhanced effects. CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitors or inducers may modestly change levels; clinical significance is usually limited, but monitoring is prudent. Alcohol can worsen dizziness or confusion.

What to Expect Over Time

Some people notice small, meaningful changes in daily routines and communication. Others may feel stable for a period before gradual changes return. Caregiver observations help guide ongoing use. If side effects appear, a prescriber may adjust timing or strength according to the label. Keep consistent dosing, maintain regular follow-up, and log day-to-day function to share at visits. Educational resources such as Stages Of Alzheimers and World Alzheimers Day may support caregivers.

Compare With Alternatives

Other approved options include memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, used alone or with this therapy for moderate to severe disease. See Memantine for details. Another alternative is rivastigmine, available as a transdermal system that may reduce stomach upset for some patients. Learn more at Exelon Patch. Choice depends on prior response, side effects, and caregiver goals. A clinician will guide combination therapy when appropriate.

Pricing and Access

See current Aricept price by selecting your strength and quantity on this page. Transparent Canadian pricing helps many families plan ongoing care. Orders Ships from Canada to US with clear steps at checkout. Compare brand and generic options to match budget and preferences. You can review costs, place an order, and select a refill reminder for future cycles.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and manufacturer. If a specific pack is unavailable, your prescriber may suggest a clinically suitable alternative or a different presentation. The Generic for Aricept is donepezil and is considered therapeutically equivalent when dispensed according to regulations. We also list the active ingredient separately as Donepezil; check the product page for current stock and presentations.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Adults with a confirmed diagnosis and no contraindications may be candidates. Those with severe heart rhythm issues, active ulcers, or uncontrolled respiratory disease may not be suitable. Discuss medical history, current medicines, and goals of care with a healthcare professional before starting. Many adults consider an Aricept generic when appropriate. Multi-month fills can reduce per-fill fees, and refill reminders help maintain continuity. Caregivers can coordinate one shipment with other prescriptions to simplify logistics.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Starting dose plan: What strength and timing fit my routine?
• Tolerability: Which side effects should I watch for early on?
• Interactions: Do my current medicines increase bleeding or bradycardia risk?
• Monitoring: How will we assess memory, function, and daily living tasks?
• Next steps: When would we consider combination therapy or a switch?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed: DonepezilHealth Canada Drug Product DatabaseEisai (Manufacturer)

Ready to proceed? Place your order with prompt, express shipping and US shipping from Canada, with temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice; always consult your healthcare professional.