Rivastigmine is used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of dementia in patients with Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson’s disease.
What is Rivastigmine?
Rivastigmine works by increasing the amount of a certain neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) in the brain. In this way, it helps to reduce the symptoms of dementia.
How should Rivastigmine be taken?
Rivastigmine may be administered orally or by transdermal patches. Initially, the doctor may prescribe a low dose and then gradually increase it during the course of several months. This is done in order to reduce the risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
Side effects associated with Rivastigmine
Among the possible side effects of Rivastigmine include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Excessive sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Stomach discomfort
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Weight loss
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Bloody stool
- Dark stools
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Coordination problems
- Painful, reduced or increased urination
- Fainting
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Tremors or uncontrollable muscle movements
- Trouble walking
- Redness, swelling, blistering or peeling of the skin
- Convulsions
- Persistent or severe diarrhea, nausea or stomach pain
- Persistent or severe dizziness, fatigue or weakness
- Persistent or severe weight loss or gain
- Irritation of the skin
- Irregular or slow heartbeat
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Face or tongue tics
- Vomit that looks like blood or coffee
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Rivastigmine
Rivastigmine may compromise the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect may be further aggravated by alcohol and certain medications.
Rivastigmine should not be taken together with other cholinesterase inhibitors and acetobutol, atenolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol, esmolol, labetalol, metoclopramide, metoprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, sotalol or timolol.
Before starting treatment with Rivastigmine, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other drugs (in particular carbamate derivatives) or any food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: acetobutol, atenolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol, esmolol, labetalol, metoclopramide, metoprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, sotalol, timolol, aspirin and NSAIDs, cholinergic drugs or other cholinesterase inhibitors and anticholinergic drugs
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from liver or kidney problems, heart problems, lung or breathing problems, pancreatitis, seizures, gastrointestinal problems or urinary tract blockages and some forms of dementia not associated with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease
- You are planning on undergoing surgery with general anesthesia
- You are suffering from dehydration
- You weigh less than 50 kg
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
