Aricept for Alzheimer's Disease User Reviews (Page 2)
Reviews for Aricept
- pat...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 11, 2025
"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."
- stu...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- April 20, 2024
"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."
Frequently asked questions
- What drugs can help improve or slow down memory loss?
- Can Aricept be stopped abruptly?
- What are 7 key Aricept side effects to watch out for?
- When is the best time to take Aricept (donepezil)?
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 21, 2025
"I have been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and Aricept has been very helpful, and I have easily tolerated this medication. I’m grateful. I am not yet on the larger daily dose, but I am looking forward to that."
- Bil...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 27, 2025
"I take a 10 mg tablet of Aricept (donepezil) just before sleep, after having taken 3 mg of melatonin 30 min earlier. I normally fall asleep almost immediately. Usually, I get 6-8 hours of deep sleep and awaken with a clear mind and good memory. Working alone in my academic office, I am now much more productive than last summer, when dementia was destroying my career. Now, only occasionally does my memory fade, mainly when I feel sleepy (cured by a nap). My dementia never occurs during my daily Zumba classes, when I do fast complex choreography with a strong mind and clear memory (like most of the women but none of the older male dancers). Also, I bicycle fast all over Houston streets without getting confused or lost. My dementia does not arise during conversations with friends and neighbors, although I sometimes forget their names. In summary, Aricept has successfully treated most of my dementia at age 76."
- Oli...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- August 4, 2025
"My dementia onset progressed over a period of approximately one year. No medication, no changes in my lifestyle seem to afford any relief. I was given Aricept, and approximately six weeks after onset of this medication, I felt I was nearly back to normal."
- Dic...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 13, 2025
"I have been taking this drug at the 5 mg dosage for 3 weeks. I have noticed an improvement in my cognitive awareness, particularly in reading comprehension and conversation. I plan to continue taking this drug, trying a 10 mg dose."
More FAQ
- How long does it take for Aricept to work?
- How does Aricept work?
- What are the current medications for Alzheimer's disease?
- MGG...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 29, 2025
"After my initial diagnosis, my neurologist put me on this drug. We have had to reduce the dosage twice. I’m down to 2.5 milligrams and still feel tired and in a fog on and off. I have had a few days where I felt pretty good like I used to, but I only remember one or two nights that I slept through the night since I’ve been on this drug, which is not very long. Several weeks. Now multiple bowel movements a day. I feel drugged."
- Ano...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- August 27, 2025
"Six weeks after my initial dose of Aricept, I had an incredible response to the medication. It was as though a cloud had lifted, and I was able to think clearly again. I felt normal. I was able to finish my sentences, remember the task at hand, speak with clear thought, and complete tasks I had given up on several months before. It felt like a new beginning for me. I believe I have improved 90% and again cherish the life I have rather than just waiting for it all to just end. One year later, I am hopeful that my progression in mental health will continue. Dosage 10 mg daily; side effect is gas and bloating."
- Ano...
- August 7, 2025
"Seems to be helpful and I shall continue to take it. Just commenting on my very vivid, worthy of movie theater attendance, dreams, plot, technicolor, etc. Not ominous or alarming, PG rated. Diagnosis - mine. Late onset mild dementia brought on by spouse's rapid onset dementia with concurring problems."
- Ano...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- August 3, 2025
"I am commenting for my husband. The results seem to be good. The only experience he tells me is that he has vivid dreams. We are very grateful for the medicine and pray that it will slow the progression of this dreadful disease. My husband is 86 years old and his only medical problem before this was acid reflux."
- Anonymous
- August 2, 2011
"My mother took Aricept 5 mg for one week. She has vivid dreams and cannot tell if they are in fact dreams or real. Also, very tired."
- mot...
- August 25, 2009
"My mum has been on this medicine for 8 weeks now and her cognitive thinking and problem solving have become more fluent, she also looks much more alert."
- WTF...
- September 21, 2016
"Father was almost himself again with Aricept, but it gave him uncontrollable diarrhea so he won't take it."
- sam...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- October 22, 2019
"This was used on one of my parents. Expensive - does not help and caused diarrhea."
- SKC...
- October 26, 2015
"Trouble sleeping, stomach pain, headache, constipation, fever,"
- Gla...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- January 7, 2022
"My mom is taking donepezil for Parkinson's dementia. It's like a miracle! Her memory has improved really dramatically! It's been working for about a year now."
- Del...
- July 16, 2009
"Have been using Aricept for approximately 6 years and Namenda also."
- Ano...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 12, 2025
"I just took the first dose, and I have not had any side effects yet. I may be OK."
- Mar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 29, 2025
"Have had vivid dreams, am experiencing a headache, have not noticed any cognitive benefits, have noticed stomach upset noises, loss of appetite."
- Bre...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 24, 2024
"Shortness of breath, less energy. Not sure it's helping."
See also:
Learn more about Alzheimer's Disease
Symptoms and treatments
Medicine.com guides (external)
More about Aricept (donepezil)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Support group
- Drug class: cholinesterase inhibitors
- En español
"My dad was diagnosed with dementia and was prescribed Aricept. His demeanor 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."