Skip to Content
Print Share

Comparing Aricept vs Namenda

Aricept

donepezil

Namenda

memantine

Prescribed for Alzheimer's Disease. Aricept may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescribed for Alzheimer's Disease. Namenda may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
5.2
23 Reviews

For Alzheimer's Disease Father was almost himself again with aricept but it gave him uncontrollable diarrhea so he won't take it.

5
WTFman

For Alzheimer's Disease I was taking Aricept to help preserve my memory, due to the fact that I am 46 yrs old. I had brain surgery in 2009 to prevent seizures and now my memory is very bad. I took this medicine for about 2 months, but the vivid dreams and leg cramps were just too much to handle. I am trying a new Alzheimer's medicine now. I believe every medicine has side effects, we just have to pick and choose!!!

5
Bird
6.1
17 Reviews

For Alzheimer's Disease My mother has been taking it for one month and her dementia - which was mild - has gotten worse. She is confused and thinks that my brother lives with her. She was taking samples as she cannot afford the medicine

4
SH carolina

For Alzheimer's Disease My wife started with two a day in conjunction with Exelon patch ..was dizzy so went to one a day. After 8 months her short memory is worse so we want to go to the two a day routine.

5
berbil

View all 23 reviews

View all 17 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

Common side effects include: diarrhea, insomnia, and nausea.

See the full Aricept side effects document.

See the full Namenda side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 15 tablet
Dosage 10 mg
Per Unit* $12.36
Cost* $185.43
View all Aricept prices
View generic prices
Quantity 30 tablet
Dosage 10 mg
Per Unit* $3.67 - $9.28
Cost* $110.00 - $278.35
View all Namenda prices
View generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes

Yes

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral kit
  • Oral solution
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names
Other donepezil brands include: Aricept ODT Other memantine brands include: Namenda XR

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

70 hours

80 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

N/A

N/A

Drug Interactions

A total of 794 drugs are known to interact with Aricept:

  • 7 major drug interactions (57 brand and generic names)
  • 613 moderate drug interactions (3533 brand and generic names)
  • 174 minor drug interactions (686 brand and generic names)

A total of 489 drugs are known to interact with Namenda:

  • 0 major drug interactions (0 brand and generic names)
  • 352 moderate drug interactions (2625 brand and generic names)
  • 137 minor drug interactions (930 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

No results found - however, this does not necessarily mean no warnings exist. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

No results found - however, this does not necessarily mean no warnings exist. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

November 25, 1996

October 16, 2003

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Drugs.com Mobile Apps

The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Available for Android and iOS devices.

Explore Apps