Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Donepezil (Aricept) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| 5mg Tablets Generic (30-day) | $10 – $30 | $0 – $10 |
| 10mg Tablets Generic (30-day) | $10 – $40 | $0 – $12 |
| 23mg Tablets (30-day) | $30 – $60 | $5 – $15 |
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Covered as Tier 1 generic; first-line Alzheimer's treatment
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Generic donepezil costs $10 to $40/month for the 5mg and 10mg doses. The 23mg dose costs slightly more.
No, donepezil does not cure or stop Alzheimer's progression. It temporarily improves or stabilizes cognitive symptoms for 6 to 12 months on average.
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Starting at 5mg and increasing to 10mg after 4 weeks helps reduce GI side effects.