As this eMedTV article explains, donepezil is a prescription drug that is licensed to treat symptoms of mild, moderate, or severe Alzheimer's disease. This page explains how donepezil works and discusses its effects, dosing information, and side effects.
As this eMedTV segment explains, donepezil is used for treating symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The drug can help improve memory, reason, attention, language, and the ability to perform simple tasks.
Common donepezil side effects may include dizziness, insomnia, and nausea. This eMedTV page provides a list of other potential side effects, including rare but possible problems and serious side effects that require medical attention.
Dosing with donepezil generally starts at 5 mg once daily. As this eMedTV page explains, however, your doctor may increase your dosage to 10 mg after four to six weeks. This page also provides information on when and how to take your donepezil dose.
This eMedTV page contains a list of medicines that may potentially cause drug interactions with donepezil, including ketoconazole, bethanechol, and Norpace. These interactions may increase the risk for developing side effects and other problems.
This portion of the eMedTV library talks about several precautions and warnings with donepezil, including side effects and complications that may occur. This page also offers information on who should not take the drug.
A generic donepezil medicine currently does not exist. As this section of the eMedTV Web site explains, however, once donepezil's patent expires in 2010, several drug companies are expected to manufacture a generic donepezil product.
