Donepezil User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• My dad
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2015

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "My 82 year old dad went on this med to slow the memory loss. It did seem to help that but we have had uncharacteristic behavioral issues where he can't keep his hands off the ladies. So much that it is a problem in the assisted living memory care unit he lives in and now he has to go to a behavioral place to change his Medicene. Sheeeesh!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2021

For Alzheimer's Disease "My poor mom was up all night with bad nightmares and talking all night in a state of confusion. Today she is like a zombie with no appetite & refuses to get out of bed because she is so tired. I should have looked up the side effects first. I am livid with the Dr. that prescribed this"

• Furni...
• August 29, 2007

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "Mom was having memory problems and was prescribed this drug. By the 4'th week on the drug, she was having delusions. It's been 6 months and the delusions seem to be reduced, but not gone. Caffeine seems to add to the problem so we are reducing her coffee. She also seems to get better when she exercises (walking)."

• Cajun...
• September 21, 2009

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "My mother was on this as well for 6 weeks when the delusions started. The pharmacist said that it would take a little while to get out of her system. I did see a major improvement in her short term memory! Maybe the drug makers could alter the recommended dosage to once a week since this seems to be a build up before we see the delusions happen. I didn't want to take her off of it because of the improvement, but I did not want her to continue to wander out of the house because of the voices she was hearing."

• berta
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2019

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "My MD tagged my DL (drivers licence)when she prescribed this med. When I asked why she said "we report every prescription of this med to the DMV." So (age 71) I took the written test and am scheduled for the road test. Proctor said "you did VERY well!" on the written test! Not too worried about the driving test (my 40 YO niece says "you drive better than I do!"). So be forewarned. Drug well tolerated, no issues. Is it doing anything good? Who knows?"

• daugh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 21, 2015

For Alzheimer's Disease "My mother was on this and had negative side effects, diarrhea, weakness, changes in behaviors, combative, using foul language, on 10 mgs. I complained and the MD took her off , then put her back on 3 months later, same side effects. I am disgusted at how these meds are prescribed and the side effects are WORSE that the behaviors. I am an RN, and this is abuse of our elder patients."

• Sandy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2019

Aricept (donepezil) "I came on this site to try to find out more information on Aricept for use for my issues ( over active brain) and not dementia. I came to find out I was wrong no one talked about my issues. The doctor told my husband it was generally given for dementia but it may help me. That is the BEST decision a doctor has ever made for me. I am a new person. Prior to taking this I felt like I didn't ever sleep and when I did my mind was racing and I could feel my arms moving all of the time. He gave me 5mg for 1 month and the second month which starts tomorrow I go onto 10 mg. I PRAY it keeps working this good. This drug has saved my life and my marriage."

• Sandy...
• November 4, 2015

For Alzheimer's Disease "Mum has first stage Alzheimer's and was put on drug 8 weeks ago. She has gone from someone who was pleasantly confused, is now incontinent, won't eat or drink, sleeping all the time, and is now in hospital because she was found unresponsive! Had been examined by 4 doctors with in the 8 wks who all said she must stay on the drug! Even though it was blatantly obvious to the family it was the drug causing the symptoms! The drug was stopped 2 days ago and she is alert and talking"

• Anonymous
• November 12, 2014

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "Husband diagnosed 1/2014 at age 57. Put on donepezil at that time. Doesn't seem to have made much of a difference for him. His memory is not the issue as much, he has problems with judgement, spatial, sequencing, and vision. When first prescribed he was taking at night and had vivid dreams. He rather enjoyed them as most included friends family from years ago. Dr instructed he take the medicines in the morning as to not interrupt his sleep. The medicines also cause diarrhea. Modifying diet to try to compensate. Want to stay on the medicine in hopes of slower decline."

• Lorra...
• November 30, 2015

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "My husband took this drug for 3-4 weeks and got worse and worse that we took him off of it. Horrible drug!!!!!!!!!! He began to hallucinate, could not sleep, memory was worse, loss of appetite, talking in his sleep all night long, started falling, just awful side effects. Would never want him on this drug again."

• Teeps
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2020

For Alzheimer's Disease "My first experience with Donepezil 10mg was nasty, It affected my sleep in a bad way and made my memory, speech and basic cognitive functions worse and I was continuously lethargic. After 2 months on the drug I can honestly say I feel a huge difference (for the better). There is a big improvement in both my memory and speech and it's really made a difference in my day to day life and daily tasks ."

• just...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2023

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "Neurologist prescribed Namenda. Too many side effects. Went on Aricept and was more confused, diarrhea, stomach cramps, resting heart beat 90, couldn't sleep. Excessive crying was frightening. No reason to cry. I came home one night and was planning a suicide attempt, crying and exhausted. I stopped taking it immediately. I have never had a thought about suicide. Very frightening. I'm a 66 y.o. woman with dementia. I did not experience anything positive with this medication."

• Tahs
• August 24, 2017

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "At 78 my husband started on aricept 10mg for increasing symptoms of Alzheimer's . He did well for a long time . Memory improved. When he stared to decline again months later he was put on namzaric. Did great again for many months. He now has had increase in aricept. Showed improvement. Again. Wishing this would last."

• lilly...
• September 20, 2019

For Lewy Body Dementia "My mum was started on 5mg donepezil 2 months ago. Prior to taking it, her speech was poor, she had a very low mood and very bad memory loss. She also had some paranoia and delusions. She was declining rapidly. For the first few days on the new tablet, I felt she was getting worse with increased confusing, poor appetite, muscle cramps and tinnitus at night. I encouraged her to continue for a few weeks. After week 1 she began to improve. Her speech improved as did her mood and her psychiatric symptoms have stopped. She is smiling again and although her memory is still poor, she is more independent with self care. I feel this drug has certainly halted her decline. It was increased to 10 mg but was reduced again as side effects were too severe. The 5mg dose is working wonders thank goodness. I suggest not giving up on this too soon and expect some teething problems. Find the best dose for your loved one. It may help you get back some precious quality interaction with them."

• Julia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2015

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "Our mother was put on 10mg Aricept (started with 5mg) and after 2 months, had a completely different personality and had lost 16 pounds. (She started at 114 - lost almost 15% of her body weight.) It was AWFUL!! She had no appetite, was depressed, angry, and just a completely different person. I have read many terrible reviews now that we have been through this experience. Stay away from Aricept."

• study...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 20, 2024

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "Drug has made a significant impact on me. Cleared up most of my confusion, loss of focus, and overall insecurity feelings. I have experienced many of the minor side effects listed in articles, but none that could not be worked through."

• rgburn
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 13, 2017

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "I am an 81 yo physician. About 3 years ago began realizing some cognitive decline. Asked my physician to let me try Aricept (donepezil).. Started on the 5mg for one week then 10mg a day for one week then 10mg twice a day. When the new 23mg dose came out I switched to 23mg at bedtime. I believe there has been a definite improvement. Some leg cramps at nite, but with increased water intake and time this has decreased. Do have softer stools but not diarrhea. Bad dreams have been a problem but have slowly decreased. About 9 months ago I decided to stop the medicine to see if it would make a difference and with in a few weeks I and my wife and friends noticed a decline in my cognition. I have since restarted with good improvement."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2016

For Alzheimer's Disease "My 65 yo husband started the 1/2 pill regiment 5 weeks ago. Big improvement in conversations, no longer accusing people of stealing from him. Than we had to wait 5 days for the prescription to be refilled. That was a decline, back to talking to imaginary people, aggressive behavior, no energy. Now he is on the whole pill. Wow, almost back to being pleasant. He takes his in the morning, so no sleep interrupted. Energy back, never had a side affect as far as loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea. Early stage of ALZ/ Dementia. Glad he is doing better, still a day to day."

• Sunny...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2019

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "I was prescribed this medication for memory loss and overall cognitive functioning. I am only 43, but I have bipolar disorder and my tranquilizing meds were ruining my mental capacity. I read it takes a few months to work, but I’ve been on this 2 weeks and can see a real improvement. I feel so much sharper and have been able to retain and recall information more easily. It doesn’t ‘hurt my brain’ to think anymore. Side effects have included an increased thirst and occasionally mild stomach cramping. I’m on a lot of meds that all have side effects so this isn’t an issue for me."

• yogiman
• July 16, 2008

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "After brain surgery my vocabulary and speech became very bad. A doctor suggested Aricept. I didn't notice any improvement in my speech but my kids did. Apparently it works for different things. Because of the surgery my short term memory is out. Long term memory is still there."

• KMP
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 2, 2022

Aricept (donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease "My dad was diagnosed with dementia and was prescribed Aricept. His demeanour changed to extremely agitated and almost violent. I had to stop giving it to him. It did nothing to help with his memory. I saw only negative impact on him from taking this drug."

• Quasa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 23, 2020

For Lewy Body Dementia "My wife is 53. She was diagnosed with LBD (Lewy Body Dementia) just over 3 years ago. She was still working effectively as a school psychologist in mid-2017. By December 2018, she could no longer work. She was having hallucinations regularly. She was sleeping 16 to 18 hours per day. Her ability to communicate effectively was maybe a 5 on a 10-point scale. She had a multitude of other symptoms, many of which she is still suffering, and while she could take care of personal hygiene tasks, she required someone to be home with her at all times. In March 2019, she started 5 mg donepezil. She tolerated it well, so we bumped it to 10 mg. By May 2019 her hallucinations were gone and her ability to communicate was up to 7/10. Today, she is still doing well. I am even able to leave her home alone for the day. She still sleeps a lot and has a lot of Parkinson’s symptoms, but cognitively she is alert. I’m told that donepezil doesn’t work as well with many, but for her it is a miracle drug."

• Think...
• September 24, 2015

For Alzheimer's Disease "Mom is on this stuff just a short time now. Put on 5 mg, then 10, now to 20/day in an 8 week span. Her confusion got much worse, daily nausea set in no matter if taken with meal or not, sleep pattern really changed and attitude became combative and nasty. I am weaning her down to 10 mg/day and if no change I will take her to 5 then stop all together. This stuff may work for mild cases of alzheimer's but not for my mom"

• marus...
• February 20, 2019

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "My boyfriend who is active, working hard, last generation of French canadian lumberjacks, during his annual physical told doctor about mild memory laps, probably age related, doctor diagnosed him immediately with dementia and gave this terror drug. My boyfriend took 10 mg twice at breakfast, he got sicker and sicker, he could not function, threw up, it felt like they messed with his head. Also he was nauseous, light headed etc. We went to ER, thanks goodness, they said adverse reaction, plenty of fluid to pee it out, but he is still not well. So he switched doctors immediately, it could have cost him life. Folks, be careful out there, there are alternatives. Check holistic doctors. Doctors get paid to give meds."

• Leisure
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2018

For Alzheimer's Disease "My 82 year old mum was diagnosed last year with Alzheimer's Disease. We really noticed her decreased language skills. She couldn't remember words for things. Could only chat with me for 10 minutes before she had enough. Also tired and not interested in much. Her writing was terrible. She started on 5mg and is now on 10mg. She saw people in her room (that weren't there) when she first started but taking tablet in the morning helped that. Her language has improved immensely. Chats to me on the phone for an hour with hardly a stumble. Is interested in things again and wrote a list of questions to ask her dr without a problem. She even renewed her passport and is going on a cruise to NZ in November with her friend! Don't know how long it will last but we will take what we can get! The only thing I've noticed is she gets a bit cross with her partner especially if he doesn't let her do things herself. She is aware of this."