Q.    What is Huperzine?

A.    Huperzine A is a plant alkaloid derived from the Chinese club moss plant, Huperzia serrata, which is a member of the Lycopodium species.

Q.    What are the benefits of taking huperzine?

A.    Huperzine A may be used to treat dementia, memory loss, and other cognitive deficiencies. It may also be helpful for individuals with myasthenia gravis and it may protect against poisoning with organophosphate chemicals.

Q.    Are there any side effects with taking huperzine?

A.    Huperzine A may cause seizures or heart rhythm changes. It may also be associated with blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, and increased saliva and sweat.

Q.    Are there any drug interactions with taking huperzine?

A.    Huperzine A may counteract the effects of drugs -- such as dicyclomine, Levsin, and propantheline -- that are used to decrease acetylcholine's effects. On the other hand, it may increase the acetylcholine-enhancing effects of drugs such as Aricept and Cognex.

Q.    What is the recommended dosage for taking huperzine?

A.    It ranges from 60 micrograms to 200 micrograms daily. Huperzine A should only be used with a physician's recommendation and monitoring.