Reviewed by the Help Dementia Editorial Team — our editors review every article for accuracy against guidance from the National Institute on Aging, the Alzheimer’s Association, and peer-reviewed sources.
This guide is part of our pillar: Dementia Medications Compared Donepezil Rivastigmine Memantine.
Related guide: Dementia Medications Compared — our comprehensive resource on this topic.
Aricept vs Exelon is one of the first medication choices a family faces after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Both work, both have side effects, and the differences matter for daily life.
Understanding aricept vs exelon helps families ask better questions and make calmer decisions. The detail below covers what doctors usually skip when explaining aricept vs exelon.
Mechanism
Both raise acetylcholine in the brain. Aricept (donepezil) blocks one enzyme; Exelon (rivastigmine) blocks two.
Dosing Form
Aricept is a once-daily tablet. Exelon comes as twice-daily capsules or, more popular, a once-daily transdermal patch.
GI Side Effects
Exelon causes more nausea and vomiting in oral form. The patch reduces this dramatically.
Sleep and Dreams
Aricept frequently causes vivid dreams and insomnia. Exelon less so.
Cognitive Benefit
Roughly equivalent in head-to-head trials. Choice usually comes down to tolerability and route preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper?
Both are generic and inexpensive.
Can you switch from Aricept to Exelon?
Yes, with a brief washout. Many patients switch when side effects become intolerable.
For more, see Alzheimer’s Association.
