Compare Aricept vs. Namenda
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats Alzheimer's disease.
Aricept (donepezil) works for all stages of Alzheimer's, and most forms of it are available in generic.
●●●●●
2.9/ 5 average rating with 21 reviewsforAricept
Slows progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Namenda (memantine) can slow the progression of symptoms in moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease, but cannot cure it.
Upsides
- Aricept (donepezil) can be used to treat dementia caused by all stages of Alzheimer's.
- It can be effective for treating behavioral problems related to dementia.
- Available as a dissolving pill if you have trouble swallowing.
- Available as generic.
- Available in different formulations for easy administration.
- Available in a cheap, generic version.
- Compared to alternatives that treat Alzheimer's disease, Namenda (memantine) has less side-effects.
Downsides
- Like other drugs for Alzheimer's dementia, it does not cure Alzheimer's, but may help with brain function and doing daily activities.
- Aricept (donepezil) is not a good choice for people with heart problems or a slow heart rate. It can slow the heart rate down and cause dizziness or fainting.
- The higher the dose of Aricept (donepezil), the more likely you can experience nausea and vomiting.
- Namenda (memantine) doesn't stop or reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
- Doesn't work as well in early stages of Alzheimer's.
Used for
- Alzheimer's disease
- Parkinson's dementia
- Lewy body dementia
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Dissolving tablet
- Pill
- Liquid
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$6.52
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$478.91
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
21 reviews so far
43%
saidit'sworth it
19%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Aricept (donepezil)?
Leave a reviewNot enough review data.Leave a review
Side effects
19possible side effects
- Nausea11%
- Headache10%
- Diarrhea10%
- Pain, various locations9%
- Insomnia9%
- Dizziness8%
- Accident7%
- Muscle cramps6%
- Fatigue5%
- Vomiting5%
- Loss of appetite4%
- Bruising4%
- Weight loss3%
- Depression3%
- Abnormal dreams3%
- Fainting2%
- Arthritis2%
- Sleepiness2%
- Frequent urination2%
13possible side effects
- Dizziness7%
- Headache6%
- Confusion6%
- Constipation5%
- High blood pressure4%
- Coughing4%
- Pain3%
- Vomiting3%
- Back pain3%
- Sleepiness3%
- Hallucination3%
- Fatigue2%
- Difficulty breathing2%
Risks and risk factors
- Ulcers and bleeding in the stomach
- Taking anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- History of ulcer disease
- Taking high doses of Aricept (donepezil)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weighing less than 55 kg (110 lbs)
- Taking high doses of Aricept (donepezil)
- Weight loss
- Weighing less than 55 kg (110 lbs)
- Slowed heartbeat
- Problems with the heartbeat
- Higher risk of side effects from Namenda (memantine)
- Taking certain medicines
- Kidney problems
- Those with severe urinary tract infections
- Seizures
- History of seizures