Donepezil HCL Side Effects by Likelihood and Severity

COMMON side effects

If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression i

  • diarrhea
  • If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression i

  • cramps
  • difficulty sleeping
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • INFREQUENT side effects

    If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression i

  • arthritis
  • fainting
  • dizziness
  • low energy
  • decreased appetite
  • an increased need to urinate often
  • If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression i

  • nightmares
  • depression
  • bruising under the skin
  • drowsiness
  • pain
  • weight loss
  • headache
  • RARE side effects

    If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression i

  • dehydration
  • anemia
  • delusions
  • aggressive behavior
  • neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a reaction characterized by fever, muscle rigidity and confusion
  • clouding of the lens of the eye called cataracts
  • blurred vision
  • high blood pressure
  • a type of slowed heart rhythm disorder called heart block
  • torsades de pointes, a type of abnormal heart rhythm
  • atrial fibrillation
  • slow heartbeat
  • prolonged QT interval on EKG
  • heart failure
  • low blood pressure
  • bleeding of the stomach or intestines
  • a skin disorder with blistering and peeling skin called toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • a skin disorder with blistering and peeling skin called Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • hives
  • a condition with muscle tissue breakdown called rhabdomyolysis
  • seizures
  • excessive sweating
  • loss of muscle coordination
  • fluid retention in the legs, feet, arms or hands
  • aphasia, a loss of the ability to speak and understand language
  • trouble breathing
  • chest pain
  • gas
  • the inability to control a bowel movement
  • stomach cramps
  • nervousness
  • a feeling of pins and needles on skin
  • a type of significant allergic skin reaction called DRESS syndrome
  • If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression i

  • mood changes
  • altered interest in having sexual intercourse
  • eye irritation
  • widening of blood vessels
  • bronchitis
  • an infection of the genitals or urinary tract
  • itching
  • mental status changes
  • sensation of spinning or whirling
  • muscle tremors
  • involuntary leakage of urine
  • urination during the night
  • abnormal liver function tests
  • irritability
  • drug-induced hot flashes
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    Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

    CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.