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When is the best time to take Aricept (donepezil)?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on Aug 26, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

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:

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.

Related questions

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:

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
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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/

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