Has anyone found episodes of aggression to be a side effect of Aricept? Frank has been taking 10mg daily for the past three years. Towards the end of that time he has displayed aggressive behavior, to differing degrees, three or four times. That was whilst we were still living in France but a couple of months ago we returned to the UK and almost immediately he became very hostile and verbally aggressive towards me and a few times, physically aggressive. He was almost constantly in a black mood and his anger was always directed at me as, "the most disgusting woman I have ever known".
The upshot was that Pericayazine was prescribed and it was suggested that the Aricept was withdrawn. This was about 2 weeks ago and the change has been remarkable - he is happy, cheerful and easy to get along with but unfortunately he seems also to be rapidly losing the few skills which had remained to him. I spoke to the CPN and we agreed to try the Aricept again, starting at 5mg and I gave him the first one this morning. He had a brief black mood this afternoon - or so it seemed - perhaps I was looking for it and mis-interpreted it. I fear that I may have to choose between a more rapid deterioration or a more tranquil life.
The upshot was that Pericayazine was prescribed and it was suggested that the Aricept was withdrawn. This was about 2 weeks ago and the change has been remarkable - he is happy, cheerful and easy to get along with but unfortunately he seems also to be rapidly losing the few skills which had remained to him. I spoke to the CPN and we agreed to try the Aricept again, starting at 5mg and I gave him the first one this morning. He had a brief black mood this afternoon - or so it seemed - perhaps I was looking for it and mis-interpreted it. I fear that I may have to choose between a more rapid deterioration or a more tranquil life.