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

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

The manufacturer recommends taking Aricept (donepezil) in the evening just before bedtime. Aricept can cause nausea and vomiting in some patients, as well as dizziness. Taking it before bedtime may help these side effects be less noticeable. However, your prescriber might recommend taking Aricept at a different time if it’s interfering with your sleep.

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on March 31, 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:

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.

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

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/

What drugs can help improve or slow down memory loss?

Drugs used to improve or slow down memory include prescription medications (e.g., cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil) and over-the-counter products like ginseng and nootropics.

Can Aricept be stopped abruptly?

No, you should not stop taking Aricept (donepezil) suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider. Abruptly discontinuing Aricept may cause a worsening of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. Continue reading

What are 7 key Aricept side effects to watch out for?

Common side effects of Aricept include nausea, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps, and low appetite. For most people, these side effects last a few weeks and get better with continued use of Aricept. Continue reading

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

What Is Aricept Used For?

What Is the Typical Dose of Aricept?

How Should Aricept Be Taken?

Read next

What drugs can help improve or slow down memory loss?

Can Aricept be stopped abruptly?

What are 7 key Aricept side effects to watch out for?

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