When is the best time to take Aricept (donepezil)?
Aricept (donepezil) is typically taken in the evening before bedtime, as recommended by the manufacturer. This timing may help reduce common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
However, your prescriber might recommend taking Aricept at a different time if it’s interfering with your sleep. To maintain consistent medication levels, take Aricept at the same time every day.
What Is Aricept Used For?
Aricept is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that is FDA approved to treat dementia in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s disease. It is available as a tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT), both in brand-name and generic versions.
What Is the Typical Dose of Aricept?
Aricept is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 23 mg strengths. The typical dosing schedule is:
- Starting dose: 5 mg once daily before bedtime.
- After 4–6 weeks: The dose may increase to 10 mg once daily.
- For moderate to severe Alzheimer’s: The dose may increase to 23 mg once daily after at least 3 months on the 10 mg dose.
How Should Aricept Be Taken?
Aricept can be taken with or without food. The 23 mg tablet should not be crushed, and must be swallowed whole. If you are having trouble swallowing the tablet form, ask your healthcare provider about whether the orally disintegrating tablets are an option for you to take instead.
The optimal time of day to take Aricept may vary depending on individual side effect risk and lifestyle. Elderly patients, people with a history of falls, or those sensitive to nausea may benefit from tailored dosing times.
- If dizziness or falls occur at night, consider morning dosing and add safety modifications at home.
- For gastrointestinal sensitivity, take donepezil with a small meal in the morning or evening.
- People who experience fewer side effects at night should continue evening dosing as originally prescribed.
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What To Do If Donepezil Disrupts Sleep
Some people experience insomnia or vivid dreams when taking Aricept (donepezil) at night. If sleep problems develop, it may be helpful to switch to morning dosing. Clinical studies report that cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil can affect REM sleep and cause unusual dreaming. If you notice sleep problems while taking Aricept:
- Talk to your prescriber about taking donepezil in the morning with food to minimize stomach upset.
- If switching from nighttime to morning dosing, monitor for changes in cognition or side effects.
- Discuss persistent sleep problems with a healthcare provider, as they may recommend a different regimen or sleep hygiene strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should donepezil be taken in the morning or at night?
Most people start with bedtime dosing to reduce side effects, but morning dosing may be better if sleep problems develop or nighttime dizziness increases.
Does Aricept need to be taken with food?
Aricept can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce nausea.
What should caregivers do if a dose is missed?
Give the next scheduled dose as soon as remembered. Do not double dose. If a dose has been missed for more than 7 days, contact the prescriber.
This is not all the information you need to know about Aricept (donepezil) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Agboton, C., et. al. (2014). Impact of nighttime donepezil administration on sleep in the older adult population: A retrospective study. In: Mental Health Clinician. DOI: https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.n222761
- Aricept [package insert]. (Updated Dec 2021). Eisai Inc. Accessed 07/05/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=98e451e1-e4d7-4439-a675-c5457ba20975
- Doty, L., & Heilman, K. M. (2013). Recommendations for the safe administration of donepezil. Neurology. Clinical practice, 3(6), 458–459. https://doi.org/10.1212/01.CPJ.0000440993.45670.4a
- Moraes, W.dosS., Poyares, D. R., Guilleminault, C., Ramos, L. R., Bertolucci, P. H., & Tufik, S. (2006). The effect of donepezil on sleep and REM sleep EEG in patients with Alzheimer disease: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Sleep, 29(2), 199–205. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/29.2.199
- National Health Service. (Updated 2023). How and When to Take Donepezil. Accessed 07/05/2024 at https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/donepezil/how-and-when-to-take-donepezil/
Read next
How long does it take for Aricept to work?
Aricept (donepezil) may start working within 3 weeks of starting treatment to improve Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog) scores, but can take up to 4-6 weeks to be effective for some people. Continue reading
How does Aricept work?
Aricept belongs to a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors, which work by increasing acetylcholine levels to support better brain function. However, it does not change the progression of dementia itself. Continue reading
What is Quercetin and what are its health benefits?
Quercetin is an antioxidant and belongs to a group of plant pigments called flavonoids. It is found naturally in many fruits, vegetables, flowers, bark, and leaves but is not made in the human body. Studies show quercetin may help to protect against many health conditions associated with oxidative stress, including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.
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