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Exelon Patch Vs. Aricept

The Exelon patch (rivastigmine) and Aricept (donepezil) are two medications created to combat the symptoms of dementia. Both drugs work by altering the body’s supply of a brain substance called acetylcholine.

  1. Exelon Patch

    • The Exelon patch belongs to a class of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors, according to Drugs.com. Like other drugs in its class, it achieves its effects by increasing the amount of acetylcholine in the brain and potentially reducing dementia symptoms.

    Aricept

    • Aricept is also a cholinesterase inhibitor and achieves its effects by preventing acetylcholine breakdown in the brain, Drugs.com says.

    Exelon Patch Use

    • Patients using Exelon place a single patch somewhere on the chest, upper arm or upper or lower back for 24 hours, according to Drugs.com. Typically, doctors recommend placing each daily patch in a new location, as well as avoiding use of the same treatment location for at least 14 days.

    Aricept Use

    • Aricept comes in both standard tablet and dissolving tablet forms, according to Medline Plus. Patients typically take the medication once a day at bedtime.

    Types of Treatment

    • While doctors may prescribe Aricept for control of Alzheimer’s disease, they may prescribe the Exelon patch for dementia related to Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, according to Drugs.com.

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