Aricept is the drug that is most highly recommended by doctors in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. However, regardless of how well Aricept is tolerated by most patients, Aricept side effects may still be anticipated. These side effects are often mild and non-life threatening, but this medicine must still be carefully dispensed, and all reactions to the medicine monitored and, if possible, documented, for referral to the doctor at the soonest possible opportunity.

Some problems may be expected by patients who have stomach concerns. Stomach ulcers and bleeding may be aggravated by this medication. If you suffer from any stomach disorders, consult your doctor before taking Aricept. If you do not have stomach problems, you may still experience nausea and fainting, especially while your body is still getting used to the daily medication.

Other fairly common Aricept side effects would include: loss of appetite, insomnia (sleeplessness), muscle cramps, lethargy, nausea and diarrhea. You may continue taking the medicine if you experience them, but make sure to tell your doctor about them during your next checkup. Sleepiness and nausea may be expected when you are taking this medicine, so take care not to drive or do anything that requires you to be alert immediately after taking a dose.

There are some more serious side effects of Aricept, however. As soon as you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical treatment: seizure (blacking out or convulsing), coughing up blood, vomiting a dark substance that resembles blood or ground coffee, black, tarry or bloody stools and painful or difficult urination.

Regular testing is necessary in order to determine the effectiveness of this drug. Based on the patient's unique condition, the physician may decide that a dosage adjustment is required, or perhaps another medication would be more effective. The patient would normally have to see the doctor four to six weeks after starting a daily medication routine. If there is no change, or if deterioration is detected, it may be necessary to restart the drug.

Aricept comes in two forms: tablets or oral-dissolving tablets (ODTs). They should not be broken or crushed, and it is imperative that each dosage is taken on time every day. This drug has a half-life of 70 hours, which means it is ideal for taking once a day only. If you have forgotten to take your Aricept, just take the next day's dose. Don't take the missed dose anymore, and don't take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Taking more than the recommended dose, or taking this medicine more than once a day, may pave the way for an overdose, so careful monitoring of the medication is necessary.

If you are taking any other medication or nutritional supplements (including herbal medicine), you muts make sure to tell your doctor about them before taking on an Aricept routine. This medicine may conflict with other substances, including but not limited to dicyclomine (Bentyl), phenytoin (Dilantin), rifampin (Rifadin), phenobarbital (Luminal), and the herb belladonna. In order to minimize the risks of suffering from Aricept side effects, discuss the routine with your doctor and closely observe your medication schedule.