Donepezil User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• 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"

• Careg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2020

For Lewy Body Dementia "Donepezil has been a miracle drug for my husband who was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia last year. Over the past 6 months he had declined a lot, with constant hallucinations and incoherent speech. He didn't recognize me most of the time. It had reached the point where I couldn't provide the care he needed and was considering assisted living. After the doctor prescribed donepezil 5 mg, my husband started improving within days. He was able to speak clearly again and his hallucinations diminished considerably. He now recognizes me all the time! The side effects were minimal, just some nausea the first week. I hadn't had high hopes, so was amazed at the difference. I don't know how long this improvement will last, but l am grateful for every day. I wish everyone with LBD could get a correct diagnosis and then try donepezil."

• Deser...
• 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."

• Mitzi
• 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 mgs since he had no side affects. It was amazing: his hallucinations stopped completely by the third day! They have never come back."

• Frann...
• 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 still feeling tired. I also have no appetite and I gained weight. 5'4" and weigh 194 pounds."

• Cowbugg
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2017

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

• 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."

• 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………."

• Don...
• September 14, 2022

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "Disrupts sleep. Although effective. Also dizziness on standing. Switched to huperzine a 400mg a day and ohhh myyy 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."

• Peter
• 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 "dont 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. Thats a huge change than before."

• 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."

• Rose
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2022

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "My 86 yr old mom takes 5mg 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."

• tibby
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2021

Aricept (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 loose it and she has regained the ability to reason while angry, neither of theses 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."

• EGRI
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2022

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "Ive 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...."

• Quiet...
• January 17, 2022

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "My husband started taking it for what the Dr. diagnosed as dementia in a 30 min 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 Dr. before proceeding with a psychiatrist. The side effects seem minimal--some leg cramping during 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 10mg. 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"

• Aricept
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 2, 2022

Aricept (donepezil) "Aricept was given for brain ischemia following chemo therapy. Describe how the medication helped; the benefits, side effects, dosage: . . .[s/he] could not do her crossword puzzles or balance her check book before beginning therapy with a standard dose of Aricept. The gerontologist suspected Alzheimer and provided the standard dose of Aricept. There was significant improvement. MRI's ordered by a her neurologist showed brain ischemia . . . other lab work did not support a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. They continued the the prescription of Aricept not for Alzheimer but because of improved cognitive performance from taking the medication. The brain ischemia, which seems to be a result of chemo-therapy 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 renewed the prescription for the past 3 years . . . the benefits out weigh the negative side effects."

• 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."

• James
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 14, 2024

"Doctor prescribed to help with short term memory problems I was having after a major stroke. I did not have any noticeable side effects other than slight loss of appetite, some insomnia, and more vivid dreaming. My memory drastically improved to where I am able to work at my higher tempo manager job and function normally in daily events."

• Seventy...
• 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 10mg daily and whilst there were no side effects there were no further marked changes in his cognition."

• Carmen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 15, 2024

For Alzheimer's Disease "Been taking donepezil for a little over 2 years. Began on a very low dose, had zero side effects. Currently taking the max dose, stools are rather soft but not watery. Often feel very tired, however, I force myself to walk and do light exercise. I have tried to enter Alzheimer's studies but pass all cognitive tests with high scores and have not been accepted in any study. Assume medication is helping or I was misdiagnosed."

• Cvc-412
• 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."

• Marsha
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2024

For Alzheimer's Disease "I just started donepezil to possibly help with my memory problems and possible slowing of word salad. I also take Mirtazipine once a day. I experienced some problems but about one week to 10 days in, I started having coughing issues which led to extreme hot flashes and sudden onset of nausea. I’m not sure if this is from the donepezil with the Mirtazipine or not. I am 72. I went through the change when I was 40. HELP please. Thank you"

• 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."

• Mario
• 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."