Exelon (Rivastigmine)

What is Exelon?

Exelon is a prescription medication which is classified as a cholinesterase inhibitor.

What is Exelon used for?

Exelon is used to treat mild to moderate dementia and confusion caused due by Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. It only improves the functioning of the brain and does not cure the above mentioned diseases.

How does Exelon work?

Exelon works by stopping the breakdown of the chemical, acetylcholine which is essential for the course of thinking and reasoning. By stopping its breakdown, Exelon essentially causes an increase in the amount of the chemical, hence diminishing the symptoms of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

How to use Exelon

Follow the instructions given by your doctor. If still in doubt, refer to the instruction label attached with the medicine.

Exelon is to be consumed by mouth accompanied by your morning and evening meals. The procedure can be altered if your doctor tells you to. For best results take Exelon at the same time every day.

Take Exelon regularly without miss even if you start feeling well.

Exelon warnings and precautions

You must tell your doctor if you are allergic to the drug or any of its ingredients. If your medical history involves intestinal problems, lung problems, heart diseases, problems urinating, seizures etc, it must be talked about, with your doctor.

If the initial doses make you feel dizzy or drowsy, be very alert and tell your doctor about the same. Women might witness problems of nausea or vomiting in the beginning. A considerable amount of weight loss may even occur in both men and women, seeking immediate medical attention.

If you take Exelon after an interval of several days, you are likely to face severe vomiting. Therefore, it is strictly advised not to start the dosage yourself, always consult your doctor before doing so.

Breathing problems like asthma may get aggravated. Contact your doctor for the above mentioned problems. Also, other drugs of the same type may result in amplified risks of urinary obstruction, slow heart beat, stomach bleeding, etc.

What do I do if I have missed a Exelon dose?

If you have missed your Exelon dose you should take it just as you remember. If it’s time for the next dose, then take it and get back to the daily routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Exelon overdose?

If you have taken an Exelon overdose you should immediately call local poison control centre or talk to your doctor.

Exelon interactions

Exelon is likely to interact with other drugs that can further effect or alter its efficacy. Kindly inform your doctor about all the prescribed and non prescribed medications followed by you.

Belladonna, mepenzolate, scopolamine, atropine, dicyclomine, hyoscyamine, propantheline, clidinium, methantheline, methscopolamine, glycopyrrolate are some of the drugs that are likely to react with Exelon.

Exelon side effects

There is no such rule that everyone taking Exelon will for sure witness some or the other side effects. However, if you do, it is recommended that you go and see a doctor as soon as possible.

Some common or minor side effects include vomiting, stomach upset or pain, diarrhea, nausea, weight loss, headache, tiredness and drowsiness.

At the appearance of severe side effects from Exelon, it is recommended that you go and see a doctor. These consist of diseases like decreased urination, fever, new or worsening trouble walking, allergic reactions, depression, severe or persistent dizziness, weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, bloody or tarry stools, worsening tremor, or uncontrolled muscle movements.