Donepezil oral tablets dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes the dosages and strengths of donepezil oral tablets and gives details on how to take them. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for donepezil. If you want to know more about donepezil oral tablets, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Donepezil oral tablets are generic versions of the brand-name drugs Aricept and Adlarity. Donepezil also comes in another form that you swallow, but that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.

Forms and strengths of donepezil

Donepezil comes in these forms and strengths. Strengths are in milligrams (mg).

Dosage of donepezil

This article describes the recommended dosages for donepezil oral tablets. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of donepezil oral tablets without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosage of donepezil in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of donepezil oral tablets. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of donepezil oral tablets that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for dementia in people with Alzheimer’s disease

The table below contains the starting and maintenance dosages of donepezil oral tablets for dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease in adults. Dosages are in milligrams (mg).

Dosage adjustments for donepezil

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of donepezil oral tablets based on several factors. These include:

• the severity of your dementia
• your age
• other health conditions you may have

Missed dose of donepezil

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of donepezil oral tablets. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of donepezil oral tablets and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

• downloading a reminder app on your phone
• setting an alarm
• putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to commonly asked questions about donepezil oral tablets and its dosage.

Does donepezil have a 20 mg daily dosage?

No, donepezil doesn’t have a 20-milligram (mg) daily dosage. But for moderate to severe dementia, you could be prescribed a 23-mg daily dosage. This is the maximum dosage and will usually be prescribed only after you have tried lower dosages.

Is donepezil taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe donepezil oral tablets as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take donepezil oral tablets, talk with your doctor.

How donepezil is taken

You’ll swallow donepezil oral tablets once per day, usually at night before going to bed. You should swallow donepezil oral tablet whole. Do not crush, split, or chew the tablet. If you’re taking the orally disintegrating tablet, place it on your tongue and let it dissolve before drinking water.

It’s best to take donepezil oral tablets at night before bed because they can cause dizziness. But donepezil can also cause trouble sleeping. Talk with your doctor if you’re having trouble sleeping and they will recommend when to take this medication.

You can take donepezil oral tablets with or without food.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form. You can also talk with your doctor to see whether they’ll prescribe the oral disintegrating tablet. This form of donepezil may be easier to take if you have difficulty swallowing the oral tablets.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Donepezil coupon

Visit these pages to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for donepezil when you use the coupons:

• donepezil oral tablet
• donepezil orally disintegrating tablet

These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Overdose of donepezil

It’s important that you do not take more donepezil oral tablets than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of donepezil overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• sweating
• salivation (drooling)
• slow heart rate
• low blood pressure
• respiratory depression (slowed breathing)
• convulsions (sudden violent movements)

What to do if you take too much donepezil

If you think you’ve taken too much donepezil, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosage for donepezil oral tablets. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of donepezil oral tablets without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take donepezil oral tablets exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How will I know if donepezil oral tablets are working?
• What if I can’t take donepezil at night?
• Do higher doses cause more side effects?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.