What side effects are possible with this medication?
A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses and cannot be anticipated. It can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does not occur in everyone.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of the medication.
- abnormal dreams
- depression
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- fainting
- frequent urination
- headache
- joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- loss of appetite
- muscle cramps
- nausea
- pain
- trouble sleeping
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- weight loss
Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions before you begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this medication.
Asthma and lung conditions: People with asthma or lung conditions should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking donepezil as this medication could cause symptoms of these conditions to worsen.
Epilepsy: There is a possibility that donepezil may increase the risk of seizures in susceptible people. People with a history of seizure disorder should speak to their doctor about the risks and benefits of taking donepezil.
Heart disease: People with heart disease such as active coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking donepezil. Donepezil has the potential to slow the heart rate.
Liver and kidney disease: Since little information exists on the use of donepezil by people with liver and kidney disease, it is recommended that close monitoring for side effects take place under these circumstances.
Stomach problems: Donepezil has the potential to increase the amount of acid that the stomach produces. People who are at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking donepezil.
Pregnancy: The safety of donepezil for use during pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant unless, in the opinion of their doctor, the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast-feeding: The safety of donepezil for use while breast-feeding has not been established. It is not recommended for breast-feeding women.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established in children.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
An interaction between medications does not always mean that you must
stop taking one of them. The following medications may affect the way dolasetron
works, be affected by dolasetron, or increase the risk of side effects:
- anticholinergic medications (e.g., atropine, hyoscyamine)
- barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)
- carbamazepine
- dexamethasone
- ketoconazole
- phenytoin
- quinidine
- rifampin
If you are taking any of these or other medications (including non-prescription,
herbal, and supplement products), speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending
on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want to change your therapy
or suggest ways of managing any interactions. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine
from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications,
you should let your prescriber know if you use them.