My 92 yo mom(lives about 1 hour away)started on Aricept three days ago. She took the first dose at bedtime and then took the second dose the following morning as she had forgotten that she had taken it the night before. She complained of having diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain that lasted for about 7 hours and then subsided. After a lengthy telephone conversation last evening, I realized that she had increased confusion and instructed her not to take any Aricept at bedtime. This morning she called and had a very restless night complaining of hearing a buzzing sound and strange dreams. Turns out she took another Aricept at bedtime along with her heart pill and Ativan. She says that she will not take any more of that pill (I understand her concern). I told her not to take any additional doses and I would contact her MD on Monday. After reading a number of posts, it looks like these may be pretty common side-effects. I'm wondering what alternatives there may be that she might tolerate better. Here minimental was 24/30 and I'd say maybe a stage 3/4. Thanks for you suggestions.

It sounds like your mother shouldn't be left in charge of her medications..

First try a pill box that has the days of the week--morn and evening. Get someone else to fill it and check it.
Her being able to use this box on her own will only last a short time (since she won't know what day of the week it is.)

You'll have to hire someone to come in and give her meds... Her mixing up meds as she's done will cause increased chaos.

Aricept can be a great drug--my mother had stopped reading and had an extra year of reading after taking it. But directions have to be followed precisely -- and the first few weeks there can always be adjustment.

Some folks don't adjust. But you won't know if the pill isn't taken correctly.

Dear MHD3639,

It looks like you have received some good advice from brightwings. Aricpet, also known as Donepezil, is a cholinesterase inhibitor available by prescription since 1996. The other common cholinesterase inhibitors include; Exelon and Reminyl. All three of these drugs treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, and carry separate side effects that present differently in many people.

It is very important that you contact your mother’s physician and speak to him/her about your Mom’s increased confusion, and new bedtime behaviors. Following the prescribed drug regimen is very important. If your Mom is not taking the Aricept properly, it’s possible that the drug’s effectiveness can be significantly impacted. It is very common for people with dementia to need assistance managing their medications. They can be at great risk of over or under medicating themselves and this is why medication monitoring is needed. It sounds like you are trying to remind her to take her medications properly, but it does not seem to be working. You may want to consider having in-home medication monitoring. Sometimes you can utilize friends, family members, or neighbors, and other times you need to seek professional assistance. Your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter can tell you about these types of professional in-home services in your Mom’s area. Go to http://www.alz.org/apps/findus.asp to locate your local Chapter.

I hope you can continue to find this community to be a great resource for support and information to help you and your Mom.

Best Regards,

Jaimie E.

Alzheimer’s Association
Care Consultant