What is the drug rivastigmine used for?
Rivastigmine is used to treat dementia (a brain disorder that affects the ability to remember, think clearly, communicate, and perform daily activities and may cause changes in mood and personality) in people with Alzheimer’s disease (a brain disease that slowly destroys the memory and ability to think, learn.
What’s a common side effect of rivastigmine?
Rivastigmine may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, or weight loss. Tell your doctor if any of these problems are severe, because they could cause other health problems such as dehydration.
How does rivastigmine affect a person with dementia?
Rivastigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, works by increasing the levels of a brain chemical called acetylcholine which allows the nerve cells to communicate. This may improve the symptoms of dementia. Rivastigmine can be taken orally, either as capsules or a liquid, or by applying a patch on the skin.
What is the brand name of rivastigmine?
Rivastigmine is a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Rivastigmine is available under the following different brand names: Exelon, and Exelon Patch.
Does rivastigmine improve memory?
Rivastigmine is in a class of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors. It improves mental function (such as memory and thinking) by increasing the amount of a certain natural substance in the brain.
Does rivastigmine make dementia worse?
ACh helps the brain to work properly. Rivastigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It slows the breakdown of ACh, so it can build up and have a greater effect. However, as Alzheimer’s disease gets worse, there will be less and less ACh, so rivastigmine may not work as well.
Does rivastigmine affect the heart?
Objective: Rivastigmine is commonly used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). All cholinesterase inhibitors, including rivastigmine, may cause cardiac side effects.
Does rivastigmine affect sleep?
These studies have reported that donepezil disrupts sleep quality, rivastigmine has a negative effect and galantamine has no effect on sleep quality [8. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and sleep architecture in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
What are the worst foods for dementia?
The MIND diet specifically limits red meat, butter and margarine, cheese, pastries and sweets, and fried or fast food. You should have fewer than 4 servings a week of red meat, less than a tablespoon of butter a day, and less than a serving a week of each of the following: whole-fat cheese, fried food, and fast food.
What should you not take with rivastigmine?
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen) that if taken together with rivastigmine may increase your risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding.
How long does it take rivastigmine to work?
Rivastigmine may improve cognitive function (memory, orientation, and language) and general ability to perform activities of daily living. Rivastigmine may take up to 12 weeks to begin working, but individual response varies. This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms.
Can rivastigmine be stopped abruptly?
Do not stop taking rivastigmine or decrease your dose without first checking with your doctor. Stopping rivastigmine suddenly or decreasing the dose by a large amount may cause mental or behavior changes. If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose of rivastigmine, get emergency help at once.