Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Donepezil as follows:
Cardiovascular side-effects
- Potentiation of acetylcholine action in the body, secondary to donepezil use, can result in reduced heart rate and low blood pressure. Hypotension can lead to episodes of confusion and dizziness, thus increasing the risk for fall and accidents.
- This side-effect of donepezil intake can lead to complications, especially in individuals with history of hypotension or taking medications to lower the heart rate, and can significantly increase the risk for dizziness, accidents, and arrhythmias.
- Lowered heart rate with donepezil use can result in worsening signs and symptoms of arrhythmias, such as, frequent episodes of fatigue, lightheadedness, near fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, and ineffective heartbeat. Report to your physician regarding any of these symptoms for any change in plan of care to be considered.
