Donepezil and Cramps: What Users Say

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

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

• rgb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 13, 2017

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "I am an 81-year-old physician. About 3 years ago, I began realizing some cognitive decline. Asked my physician to let me try Aricept (donepezil). Started on the 5 mg for one week, then 10 mg a day for one week, then 10 mg twice a day. When the new 23 mg dose came out, I switched to 23 mg at bedtime. I believe there has been a definite improvement. Some leg cramps at night, 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 within a few weeks, I and my wife and friends noticed a decline in my cognition. I have since restarted with good improvement."

• Bir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2018

Donepezil for Alzheimer's Disease "I was taking Aricept to help preserve my memory, due to the fact that I am 46 years old. I had brain surgery in 2009 to prevent seizures, and now my memory is very bad. I took this medicine for about 2 months, but the vivid dreams and leg cramps were just too much to handle. I am trying a new Alzheimer's medicine now. I believe every medicine has side effects, we just have to pick and choose!"

• Gee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2018

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "My husband has been on Aricept 5 mg nightly for about 6 weeks for memory loss related to anesthesia during past surgery. He has not felt well since he started. He has cramps in his feet at night, profuse sweating, fatigue, and weakness. Lightheaded when he stands and passed out and had a seizure 2 days ago. His memory loss and anxiety actually got worse on the med. I took him off the med today and contacted the doctor, who agrees with my decision. We will wait now and see if he improves. It’s very frightening what these meds can do to your physical and mental well-being."

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2020

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "I have bipolar disorder and am 50 years old. I noticed I had zero recall, disorientation, and difficulty with words. My family doctor sent me to a neuro, where I got extensive testing. I was diagnosed with ADHD and CMI, so I started with a 5 mg dose of donepezil and noticed a huge difference within 2-3 weeks. I had some mild leg cramping and diarrhea. After 2 months and a neuro visit, we increased to 10 mg. I have been on it for one month. I do not notice any difference except now I am having dreams, I haven’t had a dream in over a year, and they may not be pleasant. I talk to neuro in another month, but so far, this medicine is great."

• 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."

• 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."