Free tool
Can I eat this with Donepezil?
Alcohol can reduce effectiveness and increase side effects. Rich or spicy food can worsen nausea, a common side effect.
Also sold as Apozyl. Brand names from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices.
Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 41 foods and drinks for Donepezil (0 to avoid, 39 to take care with) — or tap one below.
Quick answers
- Should I take Donepezil with food?
- Take with or without food
- Can I drink alcohol with Donepezil?
- Yes, with care. Cut back on drinking as it can stop donepezil working well and make side effects more likely.
- Can I eat rich or fatty food with Donepezil?
- Yes, with care. Avoid if you feel sick, as rich or fatty food can make nausea worse.
- Can I eat spicy food with Donepezil?
- Yes, with care. Avoid if you feel sick, as spicy food can make nausea worse.
- Can I eat st john’s wort with Donepezil?
- Yes, with care. St John's wort can lower donepezil levels in your blood and stop it working as well.
Grounded in the checker below. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.
1 · What do you take?
Alcohol can reduce effectiveness and increase side effects. Rich or spicy food can worsen nausea, a common side effect.
You can take donepezil with or without food. It's best to cut back on alcohol, as it can stop the medicine working as well and make side effects more likely. If you feel sick, stick to simple meals and avoid rich, fatty or spicy food.
Browse our medication food guides →2 · What do you want to eat or drink?
When to take it: Take with or without food
Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.
Take care with Donepezil· 39
Fine with Donepezil· 2
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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.
Further reading on Donepezil
The pages our answers quote. Every answer shows “Where this comes from” with the exact words, checked 24 September 2026. How we check
NHS website
About donepezil
NHS medicines information on donepezil – what it's used for and key facts.
NHS website
Who can and cannot take donepezil
NHS medicines information on who can take donepezil and who may not be able to take it.
NHS website
How and when to take donepezil
NHS medicines information on dosage for donepezil, how to take it and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much.
NHS website
Side effects of donepezil
NHS medicines information on side effects of donepezil and what you can do to cope.
NHS website
Taking donepezil with other medicines and herbal supplements
NHS medicines information on possible interactions with donepezil and other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements.
The Journal
Read our medication food guides →
A full Donepezil guide is on its way. Meanwhile, the Journal covers timing, grapefruit, alcohol and more.
Food groups that matter with Donepezil
Every medicine each one affects, on one page.
Medicines with similar food rules
Affected by the same foods as Donepezil.