Donepezil and Vivid Dreams: What Users Say

• car...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 24, 2015

Donepezil for Alzheimer's Disease "I have taken Namenda and Aricept for years. Memory has improved! I have had the vivid dreams others have described, also muscle cramps. I am going to cut back on the Aricept and see if it helps...although I usually enjoy my dreams!"

• Anonymous
• November 12, 2014

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "Husband diagnosed 1/2014 at age 57. Put on donepezil at that time. Doesn't seem to have made much of a difference for him. His memory is not the issue as much, he has problems with judgement, spatial, sequencing, and vision. When first prescribed, he was taking it at night and had vivid dreams. He rather enjoyed them as most included friends and family from years ago. Dr. instructed him to take the medicine in the morning as to not interrupt his sleep. The medicine also causes diarrhea. Modifying diet to try to compensate. Want to stay on the medicine in hopes of slower decline."

• 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!"

• 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."

• sen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 26, 2025

Donepezil "Trouble sleeping resulting in headaches caused by 'abnormal' dreams listed in less common side effects. For me, the better definition is intense dreams, awaking with a headache and difficulty sleeping thereafter."

• sen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 26, 2025

Donepezil "Trouble sleeping resulting in headaches caused by 'abnormal' dreams listed in less common side effects. For me, the better definition is intense dreams, awaking with a headache and difficulty sleeping thereafter."

• Anonymous
• August 2, 2011

Donepezil for Alzheimer's Disease "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."

• Geo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 14, 2024

For Mild Cognitive Impairment "I have noticed very vivid dreams. Have not noticed any real change. I have a shrinking brain issue, so it's more of a preventive medicine."

• Lad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2025

Donepezil "Worsened depression, vivid dreams being confused for reality, tiredness, and diarrhea."

• 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."