Donepezil User Reviews & Ratings

• Sayai...
• May 24, 2020

For Alzheimer's Disease "My mom has been experiencing memory loss for the last couple years. Her short term is memory is questionable, some days are better than others, but overall she has been able to stay relatively independent, able to take care of herself. Her doc put her on 5mg of Donepezil daily. About 5 days into taking she started to have big memory gaps in her long term memory. Forgetting that my dad had passed away 20 years ago. Thinking she had returned from a trip, when she has not been anywhere for ages. It went from I don’t know what day it is to your dad dropped me off this morning I need you to come and get me. Today she took all the pictures down in her apartment, packed up all her clothes and and told me she was cleaning. Change happens with this Disease. But not in 7 days. When I called her doc and explained, he basically told me to watch for the physical side effects and to continue with the meds. I have stopped the meds myself. I wanted to just share my experience."

• Eve
• February 29, 2020

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "My mom took this for 4 days and it was the most horrible experience of all of our lives. She has very mild dementia from stroke and TIAs. We thought perhaps her inability to walk and anxiety could be helped by a neurologist and this was prescribed. We should have waited for the MRI. She did not eat hardly at all. She cried a lot and at night she went completely insane. She thought I was her mother. So the doctor took her off of it. Then the 2 weeks of withdrawal with hallucinations, diarrhea, etc, wandering around without clothes. I am afraid she will never come back to herself again. One of the worst things I have ever been through and I can't imagine how bad it was for her."

• ALZ
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2013

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "63 yr old woman, early onset Alzheimer's diagnosed July 2013. Prescribed Aricept 5 mg and Namenda. Found Namenda made me agitated and angry so quit. 10 mg Aricept and serious side effects. While waiting for new doctor to take over past neurologist's care, have adjusted meds myself to keep the memory help - which is astounding - and lessens side effects which includes severe muscle cramps in legs, water retention, ankle and hand swelling, back pain, increased blood pressure, heart palpitations. I now take 1/2 of the 5 mg tablet in morning and am still retaining benefits with reduced side effects. Aricept restored my ability to read and gave me energy and focus I have not had in 3 years. Lower dose on most meds always works better for me."

• cjrow...
• September 13, 2010

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "Two years ago my Mom used 5mg of Aricept for one month, she became almost a total zombie taking this medicine. Would not get out of bed, her mind was a lot worse than before she started taking it. A month ago she was put on 10mg of Aricept and after two doses was taken to the hospital, she was totally out of control and knew nothing of what was going on. It is not for everyone."

• Thelma
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 3, 2020

For Alzheimer's Disease "My mother had been taking this medication donepezil for about 2 years now for what the Dr. believes to be either Vascular or Lewy Body's dementia when she started to develop horrible tremors. She was extremely frustrated and constantly asked me why she would shake. When we questioned the doctor about it she said she had Parkinson's. However, during the pandemic, I ran out of her donepezil and noticed that her tremors stopped. I am very upset that her Dr. would assume that it was something as debilitating as Parkinson's and not the medicine. We have not started her back on the Donepezil and she continues to be tremor free."

• Kathl...
• October 20, 2019

For Alzheimer's Disease "My 57 year old husband was diagnosed two years ago. He started on donepezil, 10 mg at bedtime 7 months ago. Within a month he experienced clarity that had been long gone. He is happier, more self confident and remembers much more. Is he his old self again? No! But, much improved compared to where we were a year ago. He has not had any negative side effects. My fingers are crossed that this will continue because it has made life so much more bearable."

• annem...
• November 22, 2010

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "I have been on this medication for 4 months now. I am 55 with early-onset Alzheimer's. I have noticed a significant improvement. I do not feel so much anymore as if I am walking around in a fog. I have not had any side-effects at all from this medication. I am hopeful that it will stave off a rapid progression of this disease."

• Bob...
• November 30, 2018

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "I have been on Aricept 5mg at bedtime for 2 months . Was diagnosed just after I turned 60 this summer . I started having trouble finishing a sentence , my mind would go blank . I knew something was wrong . Had the blood test APOE test and scored 3/4 out of 4/4 . Aricept seems to be helping me think clearer . The side effects of Diarrhea first happen in the beginning , but went away . Don't give up on this medication . Its helping me ."

• Tlswift
• April 5, 2018

For Alzheimer's Disease "My wife is 65 as of January 02; she was diagnosed with dementia 2.5 years ago. Before diagnosed she would not follow instructions very well; She would by merchandise and forget it; she would repeat an entire conversation WRONG. The final straw is when I woke up for work, and she tore up the kitchen; pots, pans, tupper-ware all over the place, and could not remember doing it. I asked her doctor who is from Indian; "with 1.3 billion citizens in India, and only a 3% dementia/Alzheimer rate; is there a supplement with Donepezil" he responds; "get her extra virgin coconut oil; unrefined; cold pressed, and observe change". I went to Whole Foods and purchased the coconut oil, and within 3 days I observed a greater clarity in cognizance skills, behavior, and we have been using it ever since; she function 90% better. I did more research on this coconut wonder, and there's a LOAD of reports with how it works. My wife has held steady improvement for about 14 months!!!"

• Sana
• January 2, 2019

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "My Mother was only on .5 mgs but was confused and strange on it. She was on it two weeks until finally I took her off . She has never been the same since. She used to follow a routine. Now her brain is terrible . It makes me sick to my stomach how much this drug deteriorated my Mother. She got a throats infection and a finger infection during that time , if you read the fine print 13 % of people get an infection on it. But they say, I don't believe them, that 12% get an infection on placebo . Making it 1% extra people that get an infection. Well then my Mom was the 1% and had to go on antibiotics that screwed her system up too. I really feel sick we gave her this drug. "

• Demen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 20, 2013

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "I noticed a big difference once starting this medication. I do Suduko puzzles everyday. Eventually, I stopped taking this medicine because of leg cramps that kept me up at night, and I could not do Suduko as well. Once I went back on the medicine, I could resume my puzzles. My pharmacist gave me Hylands for leg cramps and now I sleep better and am not so foggy. Very happy."

• Maple
• October 7, 2016

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "Several years of vascular dementia and growing increasingly worse now, my 89 year old mother started aricept during the last month. First day she was like a new person, clear thinking with memory, energy, and motivated. Second day much less, and was dizzy and constipated by 6th day. Now appearing more confused than without the drug. Not a good experience, will be moving on."

• thewa...
• October 27, 2011

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "In 2000, my mother suffered persistent diarrhea with this medicine, could not get rid of it until the medicine was stopped. My mother-in-law had the same problem this year. She also had delusions and paranoia, which have been almost eliminated by a medicine she started a month ago, Risperdone. If you try Risperdone, start with lowest dose, it makes her very sleepy and a side effect is depressed heart rate, can be dangerous. It also stimulates appetite, which was good for Mom, she was losing 1-2 pounds per week but the doctor cautioned against excess weight gain and concerns regarding diabetes. We're going to try 100 mg niacin, I've read that it can help cognitive function. Even when they don't know your name, they know when they are loved. Show them."

• pablo
• April 13, 2019

For Alzheimer's Disease "My 85 year old mother was diagnosed in January with Alzheimer’s and vascular (mixed dementia) and put on donepezil. This year previous to this had been very difficult year when her word power left her (she couldn’t remember the name of objects), she could no longer write and was unable to keep her accounting books - to name just a few issues. She was also very depressed with no motivation at all. Since being on donepezil (10 mg) she is much brighter in herself - wanting to do things and go to places. She has recently had new curtains and blinds put in throughout her house - something she wouldn’t have even contemplated a year ago. Her writing has improved noticeably and she is attempting to keep her books again although I don’t think this is hugely successful. She still forgets words. She says it has given her some of her confidence back. As a whole we have found that donepezil’s biggest improvement has been in her state of mind and attitude and for that alone we are very grateful."

• Aldrich...
• May 11, 2013

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "My mom has been on Aricept for 5 months, 5 mg. Mom has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Medication has helped her be more alert, making longer conversations, better effect. Short memory exists but her condition had not worsened. Will see neurologist to determine to increase medication to 10 mg. Mom's condition has been stable and we are hoping to slow the disease."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 4, 2021

For Alzheimer's Disease "My husband took Donepezil. For 6 months and when he needed a back procedure, his heart rate was 35 so we were sent to the ER for9 hours. When we finally had a room in the hospital, we waited till the morning for the heart specialists. The said he did not need a Pacemaker and he was allergic to Donepezil. He was off of it for 1 month, His heart rate was normal."

• mary
• June 16, 2019

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "Had great hopes for Aricept to help but it left me very weak and sore from nausea and diarrhea 8 hours after taking. I could do very little all day. I weigh less than 100 lbs and think even 5 mg was too much for me. Glad it works for some . I will not take this med again."

• Denise
• November 24, 2007

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "My father has been on Aricept for 6 weeks and has become delusional especially at night. My mother stopped the medication because he wasn't sleeping at all at night and thus neither was she. I don't see this listed as a side effect and don't know if the change in my father's behavior is related to the Aricept or just increasing severity of his dementia. Will have to wait and see if things get better now that he's off the drug. "

• katyd...
• August 27, 2010

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "My husband was diagnosed 10/21/2009 with moderate Alzheimers. He was started on Namenda for 4-6 weeks and then Aricept, 10mg. Before he took the medicines, he was roaming at night and hallucinating. After he took the medicines for a while, he stopped hallucinating, he wasn't confused as often, he can carry through a normal day, including eating out with friends 5 days a week, helping take care of the grandchildren, 6 & 10, use his riding mower, and yesterday, 8/17/10 he re-spooled his weedeater. He hasn't been able to do that for a long time. At this time he's suffering with long-time constipation and has just had a positive hemocult (stool test). A colonoscopy is next. Could this be a side-effect?"

• Bob
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 20, 2019

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "Update , now on 10 Mgs of Aricept for Alzheimer's. Memory has improved a bit but still some confusion when driving . Overall I feel like it is helping . Can now finish most sentences but mind still wanders . Time will tell . I'm turning 61 next well and very thankful for my Neurologist . God Bless."

• kroner
• July 29, 2011

Aricept ODT (donepezil) for Mild Cognitive Impairment "Within 3 days of a 5 mg dose my husband was a different person with a zest for life and stopping his 'shuffle' walk to a brisk walking pace. His mind is clear to tackle his Income Tax Return though his short term memory is still impaired but we can live with that."

• carol...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 24, 2015

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "I have taken Namenda and Ariceptfor years. Memory has improved! Have had the vivid dreams others have described, also muscle cramps. Is am going to cut back on the Aricept and see if it helps....although usually enjoy my dreams!"

• Pehs
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2017

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "My mother was on this medication for 2 weeks for early stages of Alzheimer's. The first week family thought we could see noticeable improvement. By the end of the 2nd week she was confused and defecating in her hand which she had never done before. The doctor discontinued and after a few days she was back to where she was before starting the med. My advice is watch your loved one closely for side effects."

• sunsh...
• January 23, 2019

For Alzheimer's Disease "My mom is on donepezil and namenda. Last xmas 2017 my mom was doing terrible. Very depressed, memory was getting noticeably worse. We couldn't get her to leave the house. My brother and I decided at 73 years old her time was ending. Mom had suffered many losses in her life including loss of a son who died at 21, her husband who passed at age 52 and 2 sisters ( 1 in her late 40's, the other in her early 60's.) Mom has made a remarkable recovery. She no longer needs a walker,i s eager to go everywhere, her mood and zest for life is amazing. We've seen an drastic improvement in her memory. [She had told dr she was having memory problems.] I recently started looking up her meds. Maybe there was good reason I hadn't looked them up before. Upon reading reviews truly I would have been scared. I have no idea if it's because of these meds but feel truly blessed to be sharing more precious time with my mom. She actually calls my husband and I to check up on us if we're sick. Also calls to see when we are available to take her out."

• Carer
• May 18, 2016

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "My mother (74) was prescribed Aricept when she was diagnosed about 5 years ago. She had very few side effects and seemed less anxious. However, there was no noticeable change in cognitive function, which has deteriorated fairly rapidly, especially in the last 2 years. It is hard to say whether the drug had any positive effect as I will never know what my mother would have been like without it. It may or may not have slowed the progression of the Alzheimer's."