Generic name: Exelon
Brand names: Rivastigmine
Why is Exelon (Rivastigmine) recommended by many doctors?
Exelon is prescribed to treat mild to average Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s illness causes physical changes in the brain that disrupt the flow of information and interfere with behavior, memory and thinking. By boosting levels of the chemical messenger acetylcholine, Exelon can temporarily improve brain function in some Alzheimer’s sufferers. However this remedy doesn’t halt the progress of the underlying illness. This drug may be less effective if the disease progresses.
What should I know about Exelon?
You have to be patient in waiting results from Exelon treatment. 3 months may pass before you see the positive effect of Exelon.
What are precautions and special warnings about Exelon?
Provide your healthcare professional with the full information about your medical history. Pay special attention if you have the following conditions:
- stomach disorders (for example, anorexia nervosa);
- lung problems (for example, asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease);
- allergies (especially medicine allergies);
- stomach or intestinal problems (e.g., ulcers, bleeding);
- heart problems (e.g., sick sinus syndrome);
- seizures, urinary tract problems (e.g., obstruction).
Please be informed that Exelon may cause vomiting and nausea, especially when you start treating. The problem often occurs in females. But this problem may result in weight loss in both men and women. Consult the medical assistant at once if this problem occurs. After a several days of interruption, severe vomiting may increase. You do not need to take this remedy again without consulting the doctor first. Be prepared, you doctor may change the dosage. Exelon may aggravate asthma and other breathing problems.
This remedy may increase the risk of seizures. Other remedies of this type also increase the chance of stomach bleeding, ulcers and urinary obstruction. But it should be mentioned that these problems have not been seen in patients taking Exelon. Medicines of this type may also make the heartbeat slow. It even may cause fainting in patients which have heart condition. Consult your healthcare professional if any of the above problems occur. Please note that Exelon was never tested in children.
You may feel drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this remedy affects you. Don’t drink alcohol.
This drug should be used only when it is necessary during pregnancy or lactation. You need to consult your doctor to discuss the risks and advantages. There is no information if this medicine passes into breast milk.
How do I take this Exelon?
Take this remedy twice a day in the morning and in the evening. It is recommended to take it with food. Recommended dosage for Exelon ADULTS is from 1.5 milligrams twice per day during 14 days minimum. After two weeks your medical assistant may change the dose to 3 milligrams, 4.5 milligrams or 6.0 milligrams 2 times daily. High doses are considered to be more effective. 12 milligrams per day is the maximum dose. If you experience such side effects as vomiting and nausea, your medical assistant may advise to skip several doses. After that begin with the same or the next lowest dosage.
Why should Exelon not be prescribed?
Don’t take Exelon if you an allergy to it.
What should I do if I miss the dose?
If you forgot to take your dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is the time to take your next dosage, then skip the dose you missed and take only one dose. Never double your dose.
What happens if you overdose?
Warning:
Any remedy taken in large dosage may have serious consequences. If you think you are overdosed, then seek emergency medical attention right away.
Here are the symptoms of Exelon overdose: collapse, vomiting, convulsions, sweating, slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, severe nausea, salivation, extreme muscle weakness (possibly ending in death if breathing muscles are affected), and breathing difficulty.
Which side effects can I perceive from Exelon?
If you experience any of the side effects listed below, consult your doctor immediately. Only your physician can determine if it is possible to take Exelon further.
Side effects:
- weight loss
- constipation
- aggression
- depression
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- confusion
- fatigue
- dizziness
- flu-like symptoms
- anxiety
- gas
- headache
- fainting
- increased sweating
- hallucinations
- indigestion
- accidental injury
- vomiting
- urinary infection
- inflamed nasal passages
- high blood pressure
- nausea
- drowsiness
- tremor
- loss of appetite
- unwell feeling
- insomnia
- weakness
This list is not complete. You may feel other side effects. You need to inform your doctor about any of the side effects.
Are there any drug and food and drug interactions?
Inform your physican of all prescription and nonprescription medicines you take, especially of: NSAIDs (for example, ibuprofen, naproxen), bethanechol, succinylcholine, neostigmine, anticholinergic medicines (for example, diphenhydramine, tolterodine, atropine, benztropine,scopolamine ). There may be other medicines not listed that can affect Exelon. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and medications prescribed by other healthcare professionals. Don’t start using a new medicine without telling your doctor.
How should Exelon be stored?
Keep this remedy in a tightly closed container.
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