Comparison of Adverse Drug Reactions with Donepezil versus Memantine: Analysis of the French Pharmacovigilance Database

Background. Since donepezil and memantine are currently used for treating Alzheimer's disease, it is interesting to analyse, reassess and compare their safety profile in order to promote a better use. Methods. All spontaneous reports of suspected serious adverse drug reactions with donepezil alone and with memantine alone recorded in the French Pharmacovigilance Database during 6 years were retrospectively analysed. Results. The most frequent adverse drug reactions with donepezil alone and memantine alone were respectively: bradycardia (10% versus 7%), weakness (5% versus 6%) and convulsions (4% versus 3%). Conclusion. The most adverse drug events with donepezil and with memantine are associated with elderly people, even if they do not receive any other treatment. Donepezil and memantine have an acceptable safety profile but physicians should take special care when they prescribe any drug known to cause bradycardia or to reduce the epileptogenic threshold.