rivastigmine

Studies show that it can take a few months of using the Exelon before you see significant improvements in cognitive scores. Discuss with the prescriber if you or your caregiver is concerned about how well the Exelon is working or how long it's taking to help with symptoms of dementia.

It's not exactly clear how long the Exelon can work for. Although it doesn't cure dementia, studies show that the medication can work for at least 1.5 years to help with memory and thinking. Other studies suggest that cholinesterase inhibitors like the Exelon might be able to help manage dementia over time for even several years. Your prescriber will probably recommend that you continue using the Exelon as long as it's helping your dementia and as long as you're not having any intolerable side effects.

There isn't any clinical evidence suggesting that the Exelon makes dementia worse. Contact your prescriber if you're concerned with how well the Exelon is working for you. They can look into adjusting your dose or making a change in your treatment plan.

Stopping the Exelon could possible cause your dementia to worsen. In addition, some people have experienced certain withdrawal symptoms after suddenly stopping the medication. Contact your prescriber for further instructions if you're interested in stopping treatment with the Exelon.

Both donepezil and rivastigmine can help with dementia related to Alzheimer's disease. They belong to the same drug class and they work similarly. Studies suggest that they work just as well as each other. But they do have some differences. Donepezil pills (Aricept)Exelon are taken once per day, whereas rivastigmine pills is taken twice per day. They're also both available as patches that are worn on the skin: the donepezil patch (Adlarity) is applied once per week, but the Exelon is applied once per day. Contact your prescriber if you have specific questions about the differences between donepezil and Exelon.

The Exelon can have interactions with a few medications that could be harmful. Don't take anticholinergic medications with the patch on because they can affect how well each other work. Also don't take cholinergic agonists while you're using the patch because the medications have similar risks. In addition, beta blockers and the Exelon can slow your heart rate down and make you lightheaded. It's not recommended to take metoclopramide (Reglan) with the patch on because this combination raises the risk for uncontrollable movement problems called extrapyramidal symptoms. Tell your care team about all of the medications you're taking and planning to take. Your care team can make sure your medications are safe to take together.

Place the Exelon onto clean, dry, and hairless skin. You can put the patch onto few areas on the body: the left or right upper arm; or the left or right side of the chest, upper back, or lower back. The back is a good choice if the person wearing the patch might take it off. Don't apply the patch onto any areas with red, irritated, burned, or cut skin. Also avoid areas where the patch can get rubbed off by tight clothing or belts. Choose a different spot to apply the Exelon each time to prevent skin irritation; don't use the same area within 14 days. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber if you have other questions about where to place the Exelon.