Exelon

Brand Names

Exelon

What is Exelon

Exelon (rivastigmine tartrate) is a prescription medication of a group of medications known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Exelon is used to treat mild to moderate dementia due to Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. Although the medication is not a cure for these diseases, it can help with some of the symptoms.

Side effects of Exelon

The most common side effects of Exelon may include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• heartburn or indigestion
• stomach pain
• weight loss
• diarrhea
• constipation
• gas
• weakness
• dizziness
• headache
• extreme tiredness
• lack of energy
• tremor or worsening of tremor
• increased sweating
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• confusion

Once you have noticed the following serious side effects, you should stop taking this medication and inform your doctor as soon as possible:

• fainting
• black and tarry stools
• red blood in stools
• bloody vomit
• vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
• difficulty urinating
• painful urination
• seizures
• depression
• anxiety
• aggressive behavior
• hearing voices or seeing things that do not exist)
• uncontrollable movements and muscle contractions

Indication

Exelon improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine. People with dementia usually have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking and reasoning.

Exelon transdermal (skin patch) is effective to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

Precautions

It is not recommended to take this medication if you:

• Have heart problems
• Have stomach or intestinal ulcers (or a history of such problems)
• Have bladder problems
• Have asthma
• Have epilepsy or seizures
• Have an upcoming surgery
• Have any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes or preservatives
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding or thinking of becoming pregnant

Dosage forms

Exelon dose for Alzheimer's Dementia

The recommended of Exelon for the treatment of Alzheimer's is 1.5 mg twice daily. After 2 weeks, your doctor may increase the dose to 3 mg twice daily. Your doctor may also further increase your dose to 4.5 mg twice daily after another 2 weeks if needed. Finally, after another 2 weeks, if necessary (and if you tolerate the drug well), your dose will be increases up to 6 mg twice daily.

Exelon dose for Parkinson's Dementia

The starting dose of Exelon for treating Parkinson's dementia is 1.5 mg twice daily. After 4 weeks, your doctor may increase the dose to 3 mg twice daily. Your doctor may also further increase your dose to 4.5 mg twice daily after another 4 weeks and then to 6 mg twice daily after another 4 weeks if needed.