Overview
Donepezil increases acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in memory and attention. Benefits are modest and symptomatic.
Practical points
- Taken once daily, often in the evening
- Dose is usually increased gradually
- Benefit is typically stabilization or slight improvement rather than dramatic change
Common side effects
- Nausea, diarrhea, and reduced appetite
- Vivid dreams or insomnia
- Slow heart rate in some people
- Muscle cramps
Monitoring
- Weight and appetite
- Heart rate, especially with fainting episodes
- Whether function is better, stable, or declining at follow-up
Medically reviewed. Last reviewed August 2026. This page is educational information, not individualized medical advice.