Donepezil and Nausea: What Users Say

• mar...
• June 16, 2019

Donepezil for Alzheimer's Disease "Had great hopes for Aricept to help but it left me very weak and sore from nausea and diarrhea 8 hours after taking. I could do very little all day. I weigh less than 100 lbs and think even 5 mg was too much for me. Glad it works for some. I will not take this med again."

• Thi...
• September 24, 2015

For Alzheimer's Disease "Mom is on this stuff just a short time now. Put on 5 mg, then 10, now to 20 mg/day in an 8-week span. Her confusion got much worse, daily nausea set in no matter if taken with a meal or not, her sleep pattern really changed, and her attitude became combative and nasty. I am weaning her down to 10 mg/day, and if no change, I will take her to 5 mg, then stop altogether. This stuff may work for mild cases of Alzheimer's but not for my mom."

• mar...
• February 20, 2019

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "My boyfriend, who is active, working hard, last generation of French Canadian lumberjacks, during his annual physical, told the doctor about mild memory lapses, probably age-related. The doctor diagnosed him immediately with dementia and gave this terror drug. My boyfriend took 10 mg twice at breakfast, he got sicker and sicker, he could not function, threw up, it felt like they messed with his head. Also, he was nauseous, light-headed, etc. We went to the ER, thank goodness, they said adverse reaction, plenty of fluid to pee it out, but he is still not well. So he switched doctors immediately, it could have cost him his life. Folks, be careful out there, there are alternatives. Check holistic doctors. Doctors get paid to give meds."

• Car...
• 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 I was amazed at the difference. I don't know how long this improvement will last, but I am grateful for every day. I wish everyone with LBD could get a correct diagnosis and then try donepezil."

• 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 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"

• 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."