Aricept® (donepezil) tablets for Alzheimer’s disease care

What Aricept® Is and How It Works

Aricept is the brand name for donepezil. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s dementia. This Aricept medication comes as an oral tablet in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 23 mg strengths, and as orally disintegrating tablets in 5 mg and 10 mg. The usual dosing is once daily. Aricept uses include support for memory, thinking, and daily function. It does not cure Alzheimer’s disease.

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Donepezil works by reversibly blocking acetylcholinesterase. This increases acetylcholine levels in the brain. Higher acetylcholine can help nerve cells communicate more effectively. Many patients and caregivers notice modest improvements in cognition and activities of daily living. Benefits vary. The response is often clearest after the dose reaches 10 mg once daily.

Aricept tablet options support flexible dosing. The 5 mg tablet often starts therapy. The 10 mg tablet follows after a slow titration. The 23 mg tablet is reserved for those stabilized on 10 mg for at least three months. Your Aricept prescription will indicate the strength and tablet form.

Dosage and Usage

• Initiation: Start with Aricept 5 mg once daily, usually in the evening.
• Titration: After 4–6 weeks at 5 mg, increase to Aricept 10 mg once daily if tolerated.
• Higher dose: Consider Aricept 23 mg once daily only after at least three months on 10 mg.
• Administration: Take with or without food. Swallow tablets whole with water.
• ODT: Place the orally disintegrating tablet on the tongue to dissolve, then swallow.
• Time of day: Evening dosing may reduce nausea and dizziness for some patients.
• Missed dose: If a dose is missed, take the next scheduled dose. Do not double.
• Gap in therapy: After several missed days, prescribers may re-titrate from 5 mg.
• Switching: The generic drug for Aricept (donepezil) uses the same dosing schedule.

• Store Aricept at 15–30°C (59–86°F) in a dry place away from light.
• Keep tablets in the original container or blister until use.
• Do not freeze or expose to excessive heat or humidity.
• For travel, pack enough tablets plus extra for delays.
• Carry your medication in your hand luggage with the pharmacy label.
• Set reminders when crossing time zones to keep a once-daily schedule.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Aricept memory medication can improve or maintain cognition and function for a time. Many patients show small but meaningful gains in attention, language, and daily activities. Once-daily dosing is convenient. Orally disintegrating tablets help those who have trouble swallowing.

Ordering through YouDrugstore can reduce your Aricept cost. Many customers see 60–80% savings versus typical U.S. prices. Generic donepezil is often the lowest-cost option. Multi-month supplies and bulk promotions can lower the per‑month price further. We also offer friendly reorder reminders.

Looking for extra savings? See our aricept coupon options on the promotions page. You may also find an Aricept discount during seasonal sales.

Aricept and donepezil are the same active ingredient. If you compare Aricept price points with donepezil, review the tablet strength and pack size. Actual Aricept 5 mg price and Aricept 10 mg price vary by supplier and quantity.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Insomnia, abnormal dreams, or vivid dreams
• Dizziness, fatigue, or headache
• Muscle cramps or tremor
• Bradycardia (slow pulse) or fainting
• Increased sweating or salivation

Serious effects are uncommon but can include heart rhythm issues, gastrointestinal bleeding (higher risk with NSAIDs), seizures, urinary retention, or severe skin reactions. Worsening of asthma or COPD can occur. Tell the surgical team about donepezil use before anesthesia. Report concerning symptoms to the prescriber urgently.

Onset Time

Some patients notice subtle changes within 2–4 weeks on 5 mg. Clearer effects often appear after 4–6 weeks on 10 mg. Clinicians typically assess benefit after about three months. Aricept 23 mg may offer added effect for select patients, though side effects can increase. Benefits can plateau over time and vary by individual.

Compare With Alternatives

Generic donepezil contains the same medicine as Aricept, with similar efficacy and safety. It is often a budget‑friendly choice. You can review availability of Donepezil if you wish to compare Aricept generic cost with brand pricing.

Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist used in moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. It can be taken alone or combined with donepezil. See Ebixa® for the brand‑name option.

Rivastigmine is another cholinesterase inhibitor. The transdermal system can help patients with gastrointestinal side effects. Consider the patch form here: Exelon® Patch.

For background reading on disease stages and care planning, visit our article Stages Of Alzheimers Disease Key Facts You Should Know.

Combination Therapy

• Donepezil plus memantine is common in moderate to severe disease.
• Antidepressants may be used for mood or anxiety when indicated.
• Sleep strategies can include non‑drug measures before sedative use.
• Avoid strong anticholinergic drugs that can counter cognitive benefits.
• NSAIDs increase bleeding risk; discuss gastroprotection if needed.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Aricept memory drug therapy may be appropriate for adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia. It is not approved for other types of dementia, though clinicians may consider case‑by‑case use. Aricept off label uses are limited and should be guided by a specialist.

People with certain conditions need careful review. These include a slow heartbeat, conduction problems, ulcer disease, recent gastrointestinal bleeding, seizure disorders, severe asthma or COPD, urinary outflow obstruction, or significant liver disease. Low body weight may increase side effects. Donepezil is not for pediatric use.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized risk assessment. Always share a complete medication list, including over‑the‑counter drugs and supplements. Avoid products with strong anticholinergic effects such as diphenhydramine unless directed by a clinician.

To manage Aricept cost, compare strengths and pack sizes. The Aricept 5 mg tablet and Aricept 10 mg tablet are widely used and often priced competitively. Ask your prescriber if the generic drug for Aricept fits your plan. Multi‑month orders can reduce the per‑month Aricept price. Set refill reminders so you do not run out.

Actual Aricept cost with Medicare varies by plan and coverage phase. Many customers still compare Canadian pricing for added savings. You can also review condition resources here: Alzheimers Disease and our article What Is Alzheimers Disease Symptoms And Causes.

Authoritative Sources

FDA application overview for Aricept (donepezil)

Health Canada Drug Product Database

MedlinePlus drug information: Donepezil

Order Aricept® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace the advice of your healthcare professional.