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!

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

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

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.

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