Donepezil

vludwig

My mom was diagnosed with dementia over a year ago and has been on donepezil since. I would like any info people could give me with they're experience with the drug. My mom takes hers at night but I notice some take it in the morning, any suggestions on which works best? Thank you in advance.

Carl46

My wife takes it at night because her doctor said to take it then. She's never tried it at any other time of day.

WIGO23

DH also takes his med at night as recommended. Trying not to be a negative Nellie but truthfully, we can’t really see that it is effective. My husband believes it makes him dizzy.

​fesk

My mother took it at night for years with no issue. I do believe it helped her. Everyone is different. You'll receive replies that some believe it does nothing while others will reply they believe it helps.

Elizabeth607

My husband's Neurologist said to take it in the morning because it could cause vivid dreams/nightmares if taken close to bedtime.

Leesee

My DH took it during the day as recommended by his Dr. due to it's potential to cause nightmares. While on this drug, my DH had what I called "delusional dreams." Every morning was a new story about suddenly 'remembering' things that happened 35 years ago, or telling me he had been up all night cleaning the house (he's never cleaned the house in 38 years of marriage!). These delusional "memories" were often very emotional and he would cry when telling me. I knew for a fact, these memories were delusions. Got him off Donepezil and on Memantine and within a few weeks the delusions stopped.

Phantomhunter1

My dad has been taking it about three years and he takes it in the morning. I haven't seen any significant improvement with his short term memory.

Stan2

My DW takes hers at night because she said when she took it in the morning it made her "foggy". Her neurologist did warn us about nightmares but DW has not experienced them.

Pat6177

My DH started out taking it at night but was having vivid dreams and dr said to try taking it in the am. The switch to the am did help with the vivid dreams.

TinaGigi64

New member. My DH just started taking this. He was told to take it at night no one mentioned anything about dreams but I have noticed that this is an issue for him. I think I'm going to call Monday and let them know about it and switch this to mornings

vludwig

Thank you all for taking the time out of your day to help answer my question and support me in these trials. I wish you all serenity courage, and wisdom.

Dio

DH started with rivastigmine which helped in the early diagnosis but then it wasn't really helping. He takes it in the morning. Neurologist switched to Donepezil but there wasn't much noticeable change between the two meds. He made a complete 180 after adding Depakote, which I refer to as our miracle drug.

LJCHR

My DH switched to taking it in the morning and it has virtually cut out the horrible nightmares. As far as being effective, I'm not sure. He has been taking it since 2021 when diagnosed and handles it very well so we are just going to keep taking it.

Despondent

My DH took his at dinner as directed. He could only tolerate 5mg. 9 mos. later Nemantine was added twice a day. Titrated to 10mg. therapeutic dose. I expected to wait a few weeks before I would see any benefits. Surprisingly saw positive change in a few days. That was shocking but pleasing. But we are now in Stage 6! Who knows what is next to come.