We often field questions from our clients about when they should take their various medications. It seems that Aricept (generic name: donepezil) comes up quite frequently. Aricept is a cholinesterase inhibitor, which is a category of medication that is used to treat problems with thinking and/or memory. The goal of Aricept therapy to slow down memory loss and dementia progression. People taking Aricept are often told to take this medication at night. The reason for this is that Aricept can cause nausea, upset stomach, and even vomiting in some people. Taking it at night allows the person to sleep through these symptoms.
However, another side effect of Aricept can be insomnia, or difficulty falling asleep. We have also talked to many clients who have strange dreams when they take Aricept at night. If this is the case, it is perfectly fine to take the medication in the morning. Just take it with some food if it upsets your stomach.
The bottom line: It doesn’t matter what time you take this medication. Experiment with what works best with your schedule and your body’s response to Aricept.
Patient has increased rigidity and confusion above 7.5mg Aricept and more Sinemet is needed. Is the Aricept increasing the need for levodopa? Thanks.
It’s hard to say without knowing more information, but it certainly could be a possibility. Sometimes the extra cholinergic activity from the Aricept can worsen symptoms of Parkinson’s.
I need a price on lipitor with hnuama insurance and without insurance ..I got charged a copay of 38.00 at my pharmany today what if I dont have insurance what is the price with no insurance? its very confusing .thanks
Murat,
The price for Lipitor can vary, but it did recently go to a generic formulation, so that should lower your price a bit. You can call any pharmacy and ask for their cash price. If the Lipitor is still too expensive, you might ask the pharmacist about alternatives, such as simvastatin or pravastatin. Depending on the dose you take, you might be able to take a different statin in an equivalent dose.