my husband just started Aricept - this week gets to the full dose after having taken a half does for three weeks. eh has been diagnosed with MCI but not as yet EOAD. He says that he doesn't feel any different - no changes. What typically are the changes that are perceived by those taking the drug? How long does it take to work? Any info would be great.

My husband's experience with Aricept was not positive. After about a month, he started experiencing leg,toes & stomach cramps. He now takes Namenda & Razadyne ER with no side effects.

Hi Amy and Welcome. It takes about 4-6 weeks before anyone may notice anything and then you may notice nothing because the purpose of the medication is to stabilize the disease temporarily not make better. So, if you watch carefully you may notice that little issues appear to not be as noticeable. You also have to remember that this may not be the medication for him and it takes time to get just the right mix.

I had bad nightmares when I was on aricept but I am off it now because it did not help me. I'm not taking anything now and I seem to be fine.
Dave

I was told to give my mother aricept in the morning... since Evening meds could increase strange dreams...
THe postiive experience i saw waa that my mother was able to focus and read books, watch movies again after starting aricept (for about an additional year). For the six months before she was diagnosed and given the drug, she had been bored, unable to concentrate.
It's different for every body (and soul)...

Aricept has provided me with a new lease on life, the problem is I don't don't know if it is a long or short term lease, must keep a sence of humor to make it, one day at a time.

That is the problem with the disease. Everybody is different.

Amy, One reason they say to take Aricept at night is because it can give you stomach cramps. We started it a bedtime but the cramps would wake up my wife so we changed to the norning. I don't know if you'll see any difference but at least it's not getting worse. All the Aricept type drugs do is slow the progress of the disease and each individual has their own rate as to how aggressive the disease will progress. Just make the most of each day you have with your LOVED ONE because someday you won't be able too.