From the Guidelines
Donepezil commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can be reduced by taking the medication with food, as evidenced by studies such as 1 and 1.
Side Effects of Donepezil
The side effects of Donepezil (Aricept) can be significant and impact the patient's quality of life. Some of the common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Vivid dreams These side effects are often dose-dependent, with higher doses (10mg) causing more issues than lower doses (5mg) 1.
Minimizing Side Effects
To minimize the side effects of Donepezil, it is recommended to:
- Start at a lower dose (5mg) and gradually increase as needed and tolerated
- Take the medication with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects, as suggested by 1
- Monitor patients closely for signs of adverse effects, particularly elderly patients who may be more sensitive to these effects
Serious Side Effects
More serious but less common side effects of Donepezil include:
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Fainting
- Difficulty urinating
- Seizures
- Worsening of certain conditions like asthma or ulcers due to increased cholinergic activity Patients should report any persistent or severe side effects to their healthcare provider, as dosage adjustments or medication changes may be necessary 1.
Interactions with Other Medications
Donepezil can also interact with certain medications, particularly those with anticholinergic properties, which can increase the risk of adverse effects 1. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the patient's medication list before initiating Donepezil therapy.
From the FDA Drug Label
Donepezil hydrochloride tablets may cause the following serious side effects: slow heartbeat and fainting. This happens more often in people with heart problems. more stomach acid. This raises the chance of ulcers and bleeding, especially when taking donepezil hydrochloride tablets 23 mg The risk is higher for people who have had ulcers, or take aspirin or other NSAIDs. worsening of lung problems in people with asthma or other lung disease. seizures. difficulty passing urine. The most common side effects of donepezil hydrochloride tablets are: nausea diarrhea not sleeping well vomiting muscle cramps feeling tired not wanting to eat
The side effects of Donepezil (Aricept) include:
- Serious side effects:
- Slow heartbeat and fainting
- Increased stomach acid, which can lead to ulcers and bleeding
- Worsening of lung problems in people with asthma or other lung disease
- Seizures
- Difficulty passing urine
- Common side effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Not sleeping well
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Feeling tired
- Not wanting to eat 2
From the Research
Side Effects of Donepezil (Aricept)
The side effects of Donepezil, a selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, are mainly a consequence of its cholinomimetic mechanism of action, and are usually mild and transient 3. Some of the common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Anorexia
- Syncope
- Dizziness
- Malaise
Cholinergic Side Effects
Cholinergic gastrointestinal symptoms, including anorexia and nausea, are the most common adverse events associated with Donepezil 4. However, dose titration before escalating to a higher dose of Donepezil can reduce the incidence of these side effects 4.
Less Common Side Effects
Less common side effects of Donepezil include:
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Abnormal dreams
- Bradycardia
- Convulsions
- Weakness
These side effects are relatively rare, but can occur in some patients, especially the elderly 5, 6. Physicians should take special care when prescribing Donepezil to patients with a history of bradycardia or those who are at risk of seizures 6.