Aricept (donepezil) is a prescription drug used to treat dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease. Aricept belongs to a class of drugs called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. It is not an antipsychotic drug.
Note: As a person’s condition progresses, they may need help reading or understanding certain information about their treatment plan. This article contains details that may help caregivers learn more about key aspects of Aricept.
Aricept is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. This type of drug works by increasing levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) in the brain.
The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown, but one contributing factor may be having low levels of acetylcholine. By increasing levels of this neurotransmitter, Aricept helps treat symptoms of dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease, such as problems with language, memory loss, and thinking.
In general, the use of antipsychotic drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease is limited due to the risk of serious side effects such as hallucinations, stroke, and death.
However, Rexulti (brexpiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat agitation caused by dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. (Atypical antipsychotic drugs are also called second-generation antipsychotics.)
If you’re interested in learning more about Rexulti or other treatment options, talk with your doctor.
Aricept is classified as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It’s prescribed to help treat symptoms of dementia in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
To learn more about Aricept and whether it may be right for you, talk with your doctor.
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