What Causes Runny Nose While On Donepezil?

Posted on Sat, 26 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 26 Nov 2016 Answered on

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I WAS TOLD BECAUSE THE SYTOMS OF A RUNNING NOSE TO DECREASE MY DONEPEZIL FROM TWO TABLETS 10 MG DAILY TO 1/2 TABLET 5 MG. WHAT'S THE STORY. TWO DIFFERENT DOCTORS PRESCRIBED THIS MEDICATION. PLEASE RESPOND

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rarely donepezil use is associated with runny nose...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concern.

Donepezil is used in patients with Alzheimer's disease in order to improve the thinking ability.

Rarely, the use of donepezil is associated with persistent runny nose as in your case especially if you are not using any other medication.

Your doctors want to wean you off donepezil, that's why they asked to reduce dosage until totally stopping it.
After stopping it, and if you won't have runny nose anymore, then it will be confirmed runny nose is from donepezil.

Hope this helps.
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar