Key takeaways
Rivastigmine (Exelon) and memantine (Namenda) are both used to treat dementia, but they work differently and are used for different stages of Alzheimer's disease. Rivastigmine (Exelon) is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical important for nerve signal transmission. It is available as a generic medication and can be taken orally or as a skin patch. Memantine, on the other hand, is an NMDA antagonist that slows down certain chemical activities in the brain to prevent nerve damage. It is used for moderate-to-severe dementia and is available in immediate-release tablets, oral liquid, and extended-release capsules. Rivastigmine can also treat dementia related to Parkinson's disease, while memantine is specifically for Alzheimer's disease. Rivastigmine needs to be taken twice a day orally or once daily as a patch, whereas memantine can be taken once or twice daily depending on the form. Common side effects of rivastigmine include nausea and vomiting, while memantine can cause dizziness and headaches.
