What Causes Excruciating Arthritis While On Donepezil?

Posted on Sat, 12 Mar 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 12 Mar 2016 Answered on

Thu, 19 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife takes donepazil and Namenda XR.....Her arthritis is becoming more and more painful on her hands, feet , wrists and sometimes arms. Is there any connection?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
NO,they are not related and not possible side effects of these drugs!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about the aggravation of your wife’s arthritis. I have reviewed this information fully as well as her medications. The worsening arthritis cannot be explained by her disease condition or her medications. Seen the nature of the symptoms, I suggest that she should be evaluated for rheumatoid arthritis by her doctor as her symptoms are very suggestive. Talk to her physician about this and let’s her what the outcome is.

I hope this helps. I wish your wife well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Above all, thanks for using our services.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar