Can you drive while taking Donepezil? Evaluating the Risks

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Health Service (NHS), patients are advised not to drive or ride a bike if they experience sleepiness or dizziness when taking donepezil. Determining if you can drive while taking Donepezil involves carefully assessing both the medication's side effects and the progressive nature of the underlying condition it treats.

Quick Summary

Taking Donepezil can cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired reactions, which significantly impact driving safety. Patients must assess their individual reaction to the medication and consider the legal reporting requirements associated with a dementia diagnosis.

Key Points

Assess Individual Reaction: Do not drive until you know how Donepezil affects you, as it can cause dizziness and drowsiness, especially when starting or changing the dose.
Consider Side Effects: Be aware of common side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and impaired coordination, all of which compromise driving safety.
Understand Dementia's Impact: Remember that Donepezil treats dementia, which is a progressive condition that will independently affect driving ability over time.
Report Your Condition: In many places, including the UK, you are legally required to inform the licensing authority and your insurance company of a dementia diagnosis.
Plan for Cessation: Engage in early and ongoing discussions with your doctor and family about when driving should cease and plan for alternative transportation.
Prioritize Safety Above All: The safety of yourself and others should always be the top priority when considering driving while on this medication.

Donepezil, often known by its brand name Aricept, is a medication primarily prescribed to manage the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. While it can help improve cognitive function, its use presents significant considerations for daily activities that require a high degree of alertness and coordination, particularly driving. The decision to continue or cease driving is a complex one, involving not only the potential side effects of the drug but also the progressive nature of the dementia itself. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation and open communication with a healthcare provider are essential for patient safety.

The Critical Link Between Donepezil and Driving Ability

Donepezil's mechanism of action is to increase levels of acetylcholine in the brain, a neurotransmitter that aids communication between nerve cells. While beneficial for memory and thinking, this central nervous system effect can also lead to adverse reactions that compromise driving skills. Patient safety must be the primary consideration, and both the prescribing doctor and the individual should be vigilant for any changes in a patient's ability to drive safely.

Donepezil's Impact on Cognitive and Motor Skills

Multiple sources, including drug information sites and hospital guidance, highlight the potential for donepezil to impair the cognitive and motor skills necessary for safe driving.

Drowsiness and Sleepiness: Some patients report feeling sleepy or drowsy, especially when they first start taking the medication or if the dose is adjusted. Drowsiness at the wheel is a major cause of accidents and must be taken seriously. The NHS advises against driving if this occurs.
Dizziness and Unsteadiness: Dizziness and lightheadedness are other common side effects that can affect balance and judgment. These effects can be particularly pronounced when standing up quickly and directly compromise a driver's ability to maintain control of a vehicle.
Impaired Coordination and Judgment: Donepezil may affect coordination, reaction time, and judgment. Even a slight delay in reacting to a road hazard can have severe consequences. A driver must be alert, well-coordinated, and capable of thinking clearly at all times.
Blurred Vision: Some individuals may experience blurred vision, which directly affects their ability to see traffic, signage, and other road users clearly.

The Overlap of Dementia and Medication Risks

It is crucial to remember that Donepezil is prescribed to treat symptoms of dementia, which independently affects driving capability. Even if the medication itself doesn't cause side effects, the underlying condition is progressive and will, over time, erode the skills needed for safe driving. Combining the drug's potential effects with the cognitive decline of dementia creates a heightened risk that must be addressed proactively.

The Importance of Ongoing Evaluation

Given the progressive nature of dementia, a person who is deemed safe to drive today may not be in six months. This necessitates regular check-ups with a healthcare team to assess for symptom progression and medication side effects. Driver rehabilitation programs and special driving assessments can offer a more objective measure of a person's current abilities.

Legal Obligations and Driving with Dementia

Driving with a dementia diagnosis involves legal requirements that vary significantly by location. These rules are in place to protect the safety of the driver and the public.

Regional Requirements Comparison


Aspect	United Kingdom (DVLA)	United States (State DMVs)
Reporting a Diagnosis	Legally required to inform the DVLA and car insurance company promptly.	Varies by state; some mandate physician reporting, others require self-reporting.
Assessment Process	Medical reports and special driving assessments may be requested to determine eligibility to continue driving.	Many states require a driver evaluation (skills test) upon notification. Policies differ based on the severity of impairment.
License Status	Driving privileges may be revoked or restrictions applied based on assessment.	Can result in license revocation, especially with moderate to severe dementia. Some states offer chances to retake tests.
Caregiver Reporting	Family members and doctors can report concerns about an unsafe driver.	Many states allow or encourage family members, doctors, and police to report concerns.

Making the Decision to Stop Driving

While giving up driving is a difficult and emotional process, it is a necessary step to ensure safety as dementia progresses. Here are some strategies for handling this transition.

Initiate Early Conversations: Discussing the potential for driving cessation early on can help a person with dementia prepare for the change and feel more in control.
Consider a Driving Evaluation: A professional driving evaluation can provide an unbiased assessment of a person's abilities, which can be easier to accept than family or doctor concerns.
Explore Transportation Alternatives: Research alternative transport options, such as public transit, ride-sharing services, or rides from family and friends. A plan for continued mobility can make giving up the car less daunting.
Seek Doctor's Orders: In some cases, a doctor can write a clear 'Do Not Drive' note, which can make the decision final and reduce family conflict.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety

There is no simple 'yes' or 'no' answer to whether you can drive while taking Donepezil. It depends on how the individual reacts to the medication and the stage of their dementia. The potential side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness, can significantly impair driving skills. Coupled with the cognitive decline inherent in dementia, these risks demand extreme caution. It is a legal and ethical responsibility to inform the relevant licensing authorities about a dementia diagnosis and to stop driving if safety is compromised. The decision to stop driving, while challenging, is an act of responsibility that protects not only the individual but also others on the road.

For more information on dementia and driving, consult the Alzheimer's Association or your local licensing authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Driving while taking Donepezil is not automatically illegal. However, if the medication or the underlying dementia impairs your ability to drive safely, it becomes unlawful. In many jurisdictions, it is a legal requirement to inform the relevant authorities, such as the DMV or DVLA, of a dementia diagnosis.

Side effects that can impact driving include dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, and general unsteadiness or impaired coordination. These effects can compromise your ability to concentrate, react quickly, and operate a vehicle safely.

There is no fixed timeframe, as the effects vary by person. The recommendation is to not drive until you have experienced how the medication affects you, particularly during the initial treatment period or after a dosage change. Taking your dose at night might help mitigate daytime drowsiness.

A dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean you must stop driving immediately, especially in the early stages. However, it does trigger legal reporting requirements in many areas. An assessment by medical professionals and sometimes a driving test will determine your continued eligibility.

A professional driving evaluation is an assessment conducted by specialists, often associated with a hospital or driver rehabilitation program, to objectively test a person's driving skills. It evaluates cognition, judgment, reaction time, and visual perception to determine driving safety.

Caregivers can play a vital role by observing for signs of unsafe driving, initiating conversations about safety, and assisting with alternative transportation plans. They can also help by discussing concerns with the treating physician.

Alternatives to driving include public transport, utilizing ride-sharing services, and arranging for family or friends to provide transportation. Creating a travel plan can help maintain independence and social connections.