donepezil + yokukansankachimpihange

Donepezil + yokukansankachimpihange is a combination therapy consisting of donepezil, a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and yokukansankachimpihange (YKSCH), a traditional Japanese Kampo herbal medicine. Donepezil increases acetylcholine levels in the brain by inhibiting its breakdown, thereby improving cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease. Yokukansankachimpihange is composed of the herbal formula yokukansan with added Citrus unshiu peel and Pinellia tuber; it is used to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) such as agitation, hallucinations, and irritability. YKSCH acts through modulation of serotonergic (notably 5-HT1A receptor partial agonism) and glutamatergic neurotransmission, as well as possible dopaminergic effects. The combination aims to address both cognitive decline (via donepezil) and neuropsychiatric symptoms (via YKSCH), with studies suggesting reduced need for antipsychotics when both are used together[1][3][6][7].