Google Answers: Aricept to Increase Libido.I have read that the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine in the brain is responsible for maintaining libido. Since medications for Alzheimer s Dementia such as Aricept increase brain levels of Acetylcholine, is it reasonable to assume that these drugs will also increase libido? If so, can a person without Alzheimers safely take these medications to boost libido?Note: The following response is not qualified medical advice but reflects the web based information available on this subject. When making medical decisions, one should consult a doctor. Hello, thank you for the question. It is true that Acetylcholine has a stimulating effect on one s libido. Many manufacturers of natural libido remedies have taken note of this and marketed products that claim to boost Acetylcholine uptake in order to improve sexual function. Likewise, the logic of your question is sound. The class of Alzheimer s drugs, known as cholinesterase inhibitors, act to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down the acetylcholine. Thus, the primary function of the drugs are to increase acetylcholine in the brain. However, since these drugs are designed for use as a treatment for Alzheimer s disease, the effects may vary for those without the disease. Acetylcholine is in short supply for those with Alzheimer s. The drug may serve to simply allow a more normal level of it in those patients. People with normal levels of Acetylcholine may not perceive a significant change after ingestion or could be at a higher risk for side effects from excess Acetylcholine. It is a non-toxic neurotransmitter, but it does regulate nerve impulses and could have potentially debilitating side effects, when in excess. A key question for YOU to answer, is whether the patient s low libido is because of a lack of Aceitylcholine. If this is the case, a doctor could potentially prescribe a drug such as Aricept to rectify the imbalance.
