Last reviewed 2026-05-14 · How we verify

Donepezil and Lithium

Donepezil inhibits acetylcholinesterase to increase acetylcholine levels in the brain, while lithium modulates intracellular signaling pathways and neuroprotection.

Donepezil inhibits acetylcholinesterase to increase acetylcholine levels in the brain, while lithium modulates intracellular signaling pathways and neuroprotection. Used for Alzheimer's disease with mood disturbance or bipolar features, Cognitive impairment with mood instability.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, enhancing cognitive function in neurodegenerative conditions. Lithium acts as a mood stabilizer and neuroprotective agent by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and modulating various intracellular signaling cascades. The combination targets both cholinergic deficits and neuroprotective pathways, potentially beneficial in cognitive and mood disorders.

Approved indications

• Alzheimer's disease with mood disturbance or bipolar features
• Cognitive impairment with mood instability

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Tremor
• Polyuria/polydipsia
• Headache

Key clinical trials

• Pharmacovigilance in Gerontopsychiatric Patients (PHASE3)
• The Efficacy and Safety of AChE Inhibitor Donepezil As Adjunctive Treatment to Mood Stabilizers in Acute Mania (PHASE4)

Primary sources

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Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Donepezil and Lithium CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Donepezil and Lithium updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Shanghai Mental Health Center portfolio CI