My dh started having stomach problems and bouts of diarhea when he began taking Aricept about 6 months ago. Those symptoms subsided for the most part, but he does still occasionally complain about stomach problems and has difficulty controlling his bowels more often than I'm comfortable with. I'm wondering how any of you have dealt with this problem with your loved ones? The Aricept has made a HUGE difference in his moods and ability to interact with me and others so I would be very reluctant to take him off this drug. I will be most grateful for any and all suggestions.
My dh has been on Aricept since last Jan. We also have issues, but nothing severe enough to stop. The benefits outweigh the unpleasant side effects. Dh takes his in the am with breakfast and always has bowel movement within the hour and sometimes still doesn't feel well. He also experiences leg cramps just before getting up in the morning. He couldn't take it at night because of these issues and also nightmares. For now we are sticking with it.
andy, unless there is a medical reason not to, have you tried giving him tonic water with quinine in it for the leg cramps? DH also had them at night especially, and I give him about 4-5 oz. right out of the refrigerator - no ice - and have him drink it right down. It works for him every time and the cramps go away. He seldom has them now, but did when he was on Aricept.
My wife vomited, for the first time I can remember, after taking her second dose of Aricept. She was then switched to Razadyne which is a similar drug with no problems. She then went to Exelon Patch, also a similar drug, with no problems. I suggest you check with your doctor about switching to either Razadyne or Exelon. The only problem is that I think Aricept is now available as the generic, while the other 2 are not, so will be more expensive.
I have about 7 boxes of Aricept in the cupboard at the moment, so I think I will try the Immodium that has been suggested by others. I'll have to try to find the messages in the Search. I seem to have a hard time finding things with this Search I guess I don't know how to use it properly. I'll keep trying. However, if his problem continues after trying the Immodium, I'll speak to the doctor about trying something different.
type Immodium in the box click Comments click Search
It takes a while for the comments to come up.
Also try Imodium with one m. This brings up different comments. (I don't know which is correct). If it still doesn't work, send me an email at jeanette@maxbenlily.com with your phone number and I'll call you and talk you through it.
Razadyne does come in generic called galantamine. My hb is on that and reflux is a problem at times. Aricept and Razadyne both cause the stomach to produce more stomach acid than normal. That is what is causing the bulk of the problems. My SIL was started on Aricept and had the stomach problems as with Razadyne. she was switched to the Exelon patch and tolerated that well.
Also you might try giving him an antacid. I give my hb the generic for Zantac. When he first went on the galantamine he took a pill every morning for about the first 6 months. Now he will go through spells where he has an acid problem and I will go back to one each morning for a week and then see how he is. If I don't he will get into the tums and eat them like candy.
Andy, make sure you get the tonic that has quinine in it, assuming there is nothing else medically to preclude it. I asked his GP about it and he said it helps many people with cramps. Won't hurt and may help, as it did my DH.
mothert...my dh was on aricept for 2 years and had the lose stools and stomach upset also. Then he had an episode of severe bleeding and was taken off of it.
Andy. the tonic water really works and is so inexpensive.I don't like the taste so I add a little cocktail mix with it.Also, have your doc check for low potassium,it can cause cramps. I know how it feels, I coudn't move in bed without getting severe cramps.arms,legs and back.