Dementia medications
Two mechanisms
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias — managing symptoms, not curing the disease.
Donepezil preserves acetylcholine; memantine dials down overactive glutamate signalling.
The 2 dementia medications in the PTCB Top 200
| Generic | Brand | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Donepezil | Aricept | Alzheimer dementia |
| Memantine | Namenda | moderate-severe dementia |
Tap any generic name for its full drug guide — brand↔generic, side effects, interactions and the exam tip.
What to know for the exam
- check_circleDonepezil is often taken at bedtime.
- check_circleThe two are frequently prescribed together in moderate to severe disease.
- check_circleNausea and diarrhea are common when donepezil is started.
- check_circleBoth slow symptom progression rather than reversing it.
Donepezil can slow the heart rate — worth flagging in a patient already on a beta blocker.
Donepezil is the cholinesterase inhibitor; memantine is the NMDA antagonist.
Drill dementia medications the way the PTCE asks them
RxReflex groups the Top 200 drugs into classes like this one, then quizzes you on brand↔generic, class, side effects and interactions. Plus a guided Learn path, pharmacy math and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Frequently asked
What drugs are in the dementia medications class? add
Donepezil, Memantine. All are in the PTCB Top 200.
What are dementia medications used for? add
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias — managing symptoms, not curing the disease.
How do dementia medications work? add
Donepezil preserves acetylcholine; memantine dials down overactive glutamate signalling.
Last reviewed August 7, 2026. For education only — not medical advice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the PTCB.