Donepezil User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 21, 2015

For Alzheimer's Disease "My wife has taken Donepezil (first 5 mg, then after a year 10 mg) for some three years. Initially, her Folstein MMS score was 28/30 and is now 17/30. She has no apparent side effects. I cannot tell what my wife would be like without it - now her forgetfulness is almost instantaneous, and she is now incapable of independent living."

• Son...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2022

For Alzheimer's Disease "Don’t use this. Immediate negative side effects for my 87-year-old mom. No appetite led to weight loss. Also, she had depression, constant crying, and anger. Stopping donepezil saw immediate improvement."

• Fra...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 8, 2018

For Alzheimer's Disease "My doctor prescribed this for my short-term memory from a brain injury. This medication made me sleep too much, and I am still feeling tired. I also have no appetite, and I gained weight. 5'4" and weigh 194 pounds."

• Des...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2024

For Alzheimer's Disease "I am writing this for my husband. He was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. During our visit with his neurologist last week, I asked if we couldn't consider some kind of therapeutic treatment. The doctor offered Donepezil. I had never heard of it. He started him on 1/2 pill per night for 30 days, then will increase to 1 full 10mg tablet after that. I have to say - I am so extremely impressed so far with how much this medication has helped him. I started noticing a huge difference by the 2nd day, and by the 3rd day, he was smiling again and even making jokes. He hasn't done this for over a year. He is more 'present' and more aware of and interacting with his surroundings. He is talking in complete sentences. He isn't getting angry with the dogs and cats. He is actually engaging in discussions with me again. He was even able to read some simple instructions to put together an item I bought him for Christmas. He hasn't been able to use tools for over a year. I'm so grateful."

• Mit...
• September 15, 2015

For Lewy Body Dementia "My husband was recently diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, and the worst part was the hallucinations he was having of people coming in the house, threatening him, stealing things, hiding things, and pretending to be me or one of his daughters. There was no dealing with these imaginary people. Our neurologist suggested trying donepezil (Aricept), and we started with 5 mg and moved to 10 mg since he had no side effects. It was amazing: his hallucinations stopped completely by the third day! They have never come back."

• son...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2024

For Alzheimer's Disease "My wife was diagnosed two months ago with early-stage cognitive impairment evidently caused by AD, at 68 years of age. She had recently experienced trouble finding words, especially when ending sentences with nouns. After a battery of tests and a scan, her spinal tap confirmed AD plaque. Her neurologist prescribed donepezil, 5 mg to start. I have noticed an almost immediate improvement in her language skills and her more positive mood (less anxiety about her prognosis), and with no side effects. We have elected to stay at the 5 mg dose as it is working, and she is prone to be sensitive to side effects from medications. Note that the prescribing instructions say 'a higher dose of 10 mg may or may not provide a statistically significantly greater clinical benefit than a 5 mg dose'. More is not always better."

• Cow...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2017

For Alzheimer's Disease "Doctor started my 89-year-old grandmother on 5 mg of donepezil for 2 weeks. Noticed no change, positive or negative. Doctor increased it to 10 mg. She's been on it for 3 weeks. My husband and I (even my 11-year-old son) feel her memory has gotten worse. The past two days, I decreased her intake to 5 mg. I will continue with 5 mg for now to see if this improves. But after reading many of the posts, I may stop having her take donepezil."

• pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2025

Donepezil for Alzheimer's Disease "I have been taking 5 mg each night with similar side effects as mentioned in other reviews: leg cramps and wild dreams. I've only been on the medicine for 3 months, but I have recognized a positive difference. I still function fairly well with driving, chores, working out, cooking, etc., but definitely can tell that my life is progressively changing. I encourage everyone reading these reviews to support your local and national Alzheimer Association groups. It's a horrible disease and life changer for families."

• Gam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 26, 2024

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "Since I started taking donepezil, I have noticed the following: - Itchy skin all over - Heart 'racing' - Increased anxiety - Confusion - Insomnia - Increased fidgeting - Lack of energy - Difficulty concentrating"

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

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."

• Tkd...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 2, 2024

For Alzheimer's Disease "10 mg helped a 100-year-old with severe Alzheimer’s to lessen episodes of confusion, word-finding difficulty, and difficulty making full sentences. Side effects: low body temperature, slow heart rate, also episodes of arrhythmia, muscle cramps. But once they became very physically ill and couldn’t swallow the pill, we had to stop it. There was then a sharp decline in cognitive ability. Now they don’t know how to swallow the pill. Unfortunately, the ODT tablet is not available here."

• EGR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2022

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "I've been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and started with 5 mg donepezil. Within a week, I started having constant headaches - mainly in my temples, similar to sinus-type headaches, but my usual sinus meds didn't touch it. I can't say whether I felt I was doing any better on the memory side, but it sure is hard to live with a constant headache. When I stop taking it, I feel MUCH better. But after a week off, I go back on the daily dosage and suffer through the headaches for a few weeks...."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2023

For Alzheimer's Disease "Mum has Alzheimer’s and is 91. She was repetitive, incontinent, but mobile (could walk unaided), good-natured and enjoyed a coffee and crossword with us (only got the easier words but still enjoyed it), read the papers, but after just over a month on donepezil 5mg then 10mg, she has become vacant, has a grey/yellow complexion, doesn’t eat or drink much, has lost weight, and can hardly walk. Only this evening, she could not climb the stairs (first time this has happened) and was in pain. She has experienced a real deterioration in the last two weeks, so we have stopped her taking it. I hope it’s not too late."

• MJC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2023

For Alzheimer's Disease "It has not seemed to improve any of my symptoms, and today I experienced a severe psychotic episode in the early afternoon. I believe I'm going to discontinue (since this is Friday) and contact my doctor on Monday. If I have improvement this weekend, I'll be very thankful to God for my decision. I'll have to discuss with my physician after the weekend."

• Qui...
• January 17, 2022

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "My husband started taking it for what the doctor diagnosed as dementia in a 30-minute meeting. He actually feels he is more alert and thinks more clearly. I have noticed it, too, but mild memory loss remains. I read someone said the doctor notified DMV. This happened to us as well, without us knowing until a letter arrived. Also, testing by a neuropsychologist diagnosed MCI later. A warning to talk with the doctor before proceeding with a psychiatrist. The side effects seem minimal-some leg cramping during the day. He is taking 5 mg at bedtime."

• Anonymous
• October 5, 2021

For Alzheimer's Disease "I have been using this for almost two years at a dose of 10 mg. I have still forgotten names and have trouble as I will forget a story I was just trying to tell. Seems to be getting worse, but I can still exist. For people who have a problem with nightmares - do not take your meds late in the day or at night."

• tib...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2021

Donepezil "I am commenting on how well Aricept worked for my sister, who has had major behavioral issues, explosive uncontrollable rage, for the last 11 years following her TBI. These episodes could last up to 12 hours. It has destroyed her life and all of her relationships. She started Aricept 1 month ago. She has been able to calm herself when she starts to lose it, and she has regained the ability to reason while angry, neither of these things were possible before. She has said, 'I can just think better.' There have not been any other medicinal or environmental changes. I have not noticed any side effects. I am not sure if this will last, but it's definitely worth mentioning for anyone experiencing the same issues."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2022

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "My 86-year-old mom takes 5 mg donepezil for mild dementia. I noticed a change within a day of taking it. This has been a lifesaver for her. She is back to her old self, living independently, cooking, working on crossword puzzles, and doing housework."

• Ari...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 2, 2022

Donepezil "Aricept was given for brain ischemia following chemotherapy. Describe how the medication helped; the benefits, side effects, dosage: . . . [s/he] could not do her crossword puzzles or balance her checkbook before beginning therapy with a standard dose of Aricept. The gerontologist suspected Alzheimer's and provided the standard dose of Aricept. There was significant improvement. MRIs ordered by her neurologist showed brain ischemia . . . other lab work did not support a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. They continued the prescription of Aricept not for Alzheimer's but because of improved cognitive performance from taking the medication. The brain ischemia, which seems to be a result of chemotherapy for lymphoma, is healing. S/he is living independently but has experienced some urinary control issues at night, which may be a side effect of the medications. The physicians have continued to renew the prescription for the past 3 years . . . the benefits outweigh the negative side effects."

• Don...
• September 14, 2022

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "Disrupts sleep. Although effective. Also, dizziness on standing. Switched to huperzine A, 400 mg a day and ohhh my God. I am 100% better. Memory, focus, sleep like a baby. Try huperzine A first. It is the only acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in China, and it is affordable online as an herbal supplement."

• Cvc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2024

For Alzheimer's Disease "I started taking Donepezil in April 2024 after being diagnosed with dementia. Immediately, I was overwhelmed with muscle cramps, dizziness, headaches, and nausea. I can’t sleep and am always tired. My doctor said I had to continue taking it as prescribed, that I’d get used to it. The dizziness and nausea eased up after 2-3 weeks, but the insomnia and muscle cramps are still terrible. Headaches are less frequent but severe and often keep me mostly homebound. My life has changed so much. I’m so sick that I hardly go out with friends, and they notice my withdrawal. Muscle cramps and unsteady walking have stopped my favorite exercise — cardio drumming. The nausea and vomiting have meant a loss of 12 pounds. My memory seems worse, though I know my family and friends, recall old times and major events. I’m confused about dates, like my wedding."

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 13, 2024

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "Have been taking Donepezil HCL (started at 5 mg, now on 10 mg). Very helpful in coping with Mild Cognitive Impairment. It has helped memory recall and has allowed me to live a normal life. Side effect 'nose drips' requires me to blow my nose frequently."

• Pet...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 5, 2023

For Alzheimer's Disease "Absolutely amazing for us. I'm part of a caregiver group, so I knew results could vary. Also was told, 'don't expect to see anything, it just slows progress.' Well, my mother gained amazing results, with no side effects. Could remember 3 weeks back, knew who I was, and 2.5 years later is still very functional. I know it won't last as I'm seeing a decline, but she still knows who I am morning and night and doesn't show sundowner symptoms. That's a huge change than before."

• Sev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2022

For Alzheimer's Disease "My husband was diagnosed with severe dementia 3 months ago and was put on 5 mg Aricept. He had no side effects whatsoever, and within days we noticed a marked improvement on all fronts-chiefly recall and executive functioning. His geriatrician increased the dosage to 10 mg daily, and whilst there were no side effects, there were no further marked changes in his cognition."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 25, 2024

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "Donepezil works well in the morning. In the afternoon, it changes and makes me feel bloated, and sometimes I have a fast heart rate. I go to bed and wake up constantly, making it hard to get back to sleep."