Donepezil side effects

[FiveFoxes]

Mum has Alzheimer's and was prescribed Donepezil. She started on 5mg and had nausea and diarrhea for a couple of days and then was fine (and forgot about the initial side effects!). It is having a really positive effect on her- making her much brighter and marginally better and remembering.

She has now been increased to 10mg after a month and has had it for a few days. Unfortunately last night she woke up several times very confused (according to her- she lives alone and called me to tell me). She was confused about where she where was apparently.

Could this be a side effect? If so is it a long term one or just a day or two.

It's a bit weird to have a side effect after taking a lower dose for a month and then the higher one for a few days before this happened!

[Munchyseeds2]

It can cause nightmares and disturbed sleep.
It can be taken in the morning if this is an issue

[FiveFoxes]

Thanks for your reply. She says she's sleeping better now so hopefully if it was a side effect , it's worn off now 🤞

[Huckleberries73]

the sleep disturbances and upset tummy normally only lasts a couple of days. Stick with it if you can.

pleas also note that mementine and Donepezil can be taken together, my husband is on both and they have helped immensely.

[FiveFoxes]

Thank you. Yes they seem to have worn off now. The Donepezil really seems good- she's much more her old self with more get up and go now.
I know it's not a cure but it is definitely making her better for now.

[Huckleberries73]

Long may that last
my husband is going downhill now. It’s so upsetting

[FiveFoxes]

@Huckleberries73

Long may that last
my husband is going downhill now. It’s so upsetting

I know. It's such a horrible disease. We also lost my FIL to it last year. It must be even harder when it's your husband x