Brief Answer: It might take some time to get the effects. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX! Good morning. I am Dr Shareef answering your query. You have not mentioned the condition for which the drug Aricept/arrecept was prescribed for your mother.Usually this is a prescription drug for Alzheimer's disease. It might not be possible to say exactly how long the medicine would take to start working. These drugs would not cure the Alzheimer's disease, but would put effort in reducing the symptoms by apparently increasing the level of a chemical substance which the nerves use for appropriate functioning. The amount of benefit gained by these drugs are also unpredictable and varies from person to person. On the confusion of your mother getting worse, I would say that it could take some time for her to get acclimatised to the effects of this drug following which she might feel well. However you should also get her thyroid and diabetic status investigated to see if these values are withing normal limit or not, as these could compound to her problem. Also her blood pressure has to be monitored. She might also need some kind of counseling on her medical problems, and she could possibly get some benefit by interacting with Alzheimer societies if possible. Lastly I would advise you to contact your mother's treating doctor in case the symptoms what she is experiencing increases or does not subside as expected. I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your mother's problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts. Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. Wishing you an early recovery. Dr Shareef.

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