What is the brand name for Donepezil?
The brand name for Donepezil is Aricept.
PTCB TOP 200 · #126
Donepezil
Aricept
Donepezil is the generic name for the brand-name drug Aricept. It is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (dementia) used to treat Alzheimer dementia. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Donepezil ranks #126 and is one of the most frequently tested cns/psych medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Donepezil |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Aricept |
| Drug class | Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (dementia) |
| Class group | CNS/Psych |
| Common use | Alzheimer dementia |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Donepezil used for?
Treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer's type (mild, moderate, or severe).
What drug class is Donepezil?
Donepezil is an Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (dementia) in the CNS/Psych group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Donepezil
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightDiarrhea
- arrow_rightInsomnia
- arrow_rightVomiting
- arrow_rightMuscle cramps
- arrow_rightFatigue
- arrow_rightAnorexia
Major interactions
- arrow_rightAnticholinergics may reduce effectiveness (opposing effects)
- arrow_rightNSAIDs → increased GI bleeding risk
- arrow_rightOther bradycardic drugs (beta-blockers) → bradycardia/syncope risk
Is Donepezil a controlled substance?
No. Donepezil is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Donepezil (PTCE mnemonic)
ARI-cept ARI-ses memory — DONE-pezil boosts acetylcholine in dementia. Bedtime dose; GI upset, bradycardia (syncope), vivid dreams; mild benefit only.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Donepezil boosts acetylcholine for Alzheimer's — GI upset and a slow heart rate are the flags. Contrast its mechanism with memantine's NMDA blockade.
Donepezil FAQ
What is Donepezil used for?
Donepezil is used to treat Alzheimer dementia. Treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer's type (mild, moderate, or severe).
What drug class is Donepezil?
Donepezil is an Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (dementia) (CNS/Psych group).
Is Donepezil a controlled substance?
No. Donepezil is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Donepezil
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
LASA (look-alike/sound-alike) drugsthe name pairs most often mixed up
Sig codes cheat sheetthe abbreviations on this drug's labelSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Donepezil the way the PTCE asks it
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Related drugs in the CNS/Psych group
Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).