Exelon (rivastigmine): what it does and how to use it
Exelon is the brand name for rivastigmine, a medicine commonly used to treat mild to moderate dementia from Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease dementia. It doesn’t cure dementia, but it can help with memory, thinking and daily function for some people. You’ll see it as oral capsules/tablets or as a skin patch — both work, but the patch often causes fewer stomach problems.
How Exelon works and who should take it
Exelon boosts levels of a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which helps nerve cells communicate. If someone has trouble with memory, behavior or daily tasks due to Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s dementia, a doctor may prescribe Exelon to slow symptom decline. It’s not for everyone: people with certain heart conditions, active stomach ulcers, or a history of fainting should talk to their doctor first. Also mention breathing problems like severe asthma or COPD.
Practical dosing, side effects and caregiver tips
Common starting doses are 1.5 mg twice daily for the oral form, with gradual increases every two weeks. Typical maintenance is 6–12 mg per day split into two doses, depending on tolerance. The transdermal patch starts at 4.6 mg/24 hr and can be raised to 9.5 mg/24 hr, then 13.3 mg/24 hr if needed. Always follow your prescriber’s schedule — slow increases cut nausea and vomiting.
Expect side effects early on: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite and weight loss are the most common. Headache, dizziness, sleep changes and muscle cramps may happen too. Less common but serious signs include fainting, slow heartbeat, severe stomach pain or black stools — call a doctor if these appear. Keep an eye on falls and balance problems, especially in older adults.
For caregivers: apply the patch to clean, dry, non-irritated skin on the upper back, chest or upper arm and rotate sites. If you use capsules, take them with food to reduce nausea. Track weight and bathroom habits for the first few months. If swallowing is hard, the patch can be a better option — ask the prescriber.
Watch for drug interactions. Medications with strong anticholinergic effects (like some bladder or allergy drugs) can oppose Exelon and reduce benefit. Combining with other cholinesterase drugs or certain heart medicines may raise side-effect risks. Always give your doctor a full medication list.
Storage and missed doses: store tablets and patches at room temperature. If a pill is missed, take it when you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose. For patches, don’t double up — replace the patch at the usual time and discard the old one safely.
If you or the person you care for has sudden worsening of confusion, new fainting spells, unexplained bleeding, or severe digestive symptoms, contact healthcare services. For steady, mild side effects, talk to the prescriber before stopping — often the dose can be adjusted or switched to the patch.
Questions about Exelon are common. If you want help figuring doses, side effects, or whether the patch might be better, ask your doctor or pharmacist — they can tailor advice to health history and other medicines.
