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Rivastigmine
Rivastigmine is a medication that is licensed for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia in people with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. It is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that helps to improve cognitive function by preventing a certain chemical from breaking down in the brain. The medication, which is available by prescription, comes in both capsule and liquid form. Potential side effects include vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea.
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Rivastigmine tartrate (Exelon®) is a prescription medication approved to treat mild to moderate dementia due to Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. Although the drug is not a cure for these diseases, it can help with some of the symptoms.
This article refers to the oral forms of rivastigmine (capsules and oral solution). The drug also comes in patch form (see Rivastigmine Patch for more information). The patch provides the benefits of once-daily dosing and a continuous release of the medication.
(Click What Is Rivastigmine Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with rivastigmine. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, many people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
Common side effects of rivastigmine include but are not limited to:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss (see Exelon and Weight Loss).
(Click Side Effects of Rivastigmine to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD