Donepezil and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say

• 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 and 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 doctor that prescribed this."

• San...
• 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 within the 8 weeks 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."

• Lor...
• 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."

• lil...
• September 20, 2019

For Lewy Body Dementia "My mum was started on 5 mg 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 confusion, 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 5 mg 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."

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

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "Our mother was put on 10 mg Aricept (started with 5 mg), 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."

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

For Alzheimer's Disease "My 65-year-old husband started the 1/2 pill regimen 5 weeks ago. Big improvement in conversations, no longer accusing people of stealing from him. Then 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 effect as far as loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea. Early stage of Alzheimer's/dementia. Glad he is doing better, still a day-to-day."

• 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."

• ken...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2012

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "Nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, memory loss worsening."

• Don...
• July 30, 2024

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "Dizziness, thirst, confusion, weight loss, constipation, trouble sleeping, tiredness, loss of appetite."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2025

Donepezil for Alzheimer's Disease "Have had vivid dreams, am experiencing a headache, have not noticed any cognitive benefits, have noticed stomach upset noises, loss of appetite."