Aricept

[jknight]

Hello all,

Can anyone tell me how long it takes for Aricept to start working? Mum has been on a half dose for two weeks. Another two weeks and she goes up to the maximum dose. The consultant led me to believe I would see a difference within days. That hasn't happened (I did think it sounded optimistic, but hey, that's just me!!)

Jenny x

 

[Beate]

Unfortunately, the effects of Aricept/Donepezil will only ever be moderate and might only improve cognition or behaviour a little. The only difference my OH reported was that he "felt more positive". Apart from that I have no idea what it helped, but 5 years on he's still on it, though he's massively declined. I am afraid it's a progressive disease and no medication can help with that.

 

[chris53]

Hi Jenny, for some Aricept may seem to "kick' in after a week or so, hopefully without many or any side effects, my mum was put on 5mg for 2 months then it was increased to 10mg, this was in November 2011 she is still taking it..fingers crossed it will make a difference for your mum, i did notice that she seemed less agitated after a couple of weeks,but there again I was constantly watching out for changes I expect I was expecting massive changes within days.
Fingers crossed for you
Chris

 

[Aisling]

Hello all,

Can anyone tell me how long it takes for Aricept to start working? Mum has been on a half dose for two weeks. Another two weeks and she goes up to the maximum dose. The consultant led me to believe I would see a difference within days. That hasn't happened (I did think it sounded optimistic, but hey, that's just me!!)

Jenny x

My OH was on aricept years ago and I remember it certainly stabilised his condition for quite a long time. My understanding is that it keeps the Alzheimers on a plateau. We spent a week in Spain in 2011 and both of us enjoyed ourselves.

Hope all goes well for your Mum.

Aisling (Ireland)

 

[jknight]

Thanks all! Mum seems to have deteriorated a little despite Aricept. She is still living well, make up, clean clothes (although always the same skirt & cardie) clean house etc. Short term memory is rubbish (she can order a meal but forget what she has ordered by the time she sits down)

 

[jknight]

Hi Jenny, for some Aricept may seem to "kick' in after a week or so, hopefully without many or any side effects, my mum was put on 5mg for 2 months then it was increased to 10mg, this was in November 2011 she is still taking it..fingers crossed it will make a difference for your mum, i did notice that she seemed less agitated after a couple of weeks,but there again I was constantly watching out for changes I expect I was expecting massive changes within days.
Fingers crossed for you
Chris

Thanks, Chris! This makes me feel more hopeful!