Exelon is a drug that is used to treat dementia in its mild forms in patients suffering from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Exelon contains Rivastigmine which decreases the speed of breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine in the body. Acetylcholine is essential for the brain to function properly and Rivastigmine helps the body to retain this chemical. One thing that has to be kept in mind is that Exelon (Rivastigmine) does not treat either Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. It is only effective in reducing dementia caused by these diseases. In fact, in the advanced stages of these diseases acetylcholine may not be very effective.

Do not administer Exelon (Rivastigmine) on yourself or others without consulting the doctor. He will prescribe the proper dosage required. The usual dosage is 6-12 mg a day, to be taken twice in a day. But during start of the course, patients should not be given more than 1.5 mg a day. After about at least a couple of weeks, dosage may be increased to 3 mg of Exelon (Rivastigmine). Again, this should be continued for two weeks before increasing to 4 mg and so on. It is a known fact that Exelon (Rivastigmine) works best when taken in higher doses. Of course, if you have any kind of side effects like nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, immediately discontinue the medication and speak to your doctor. The doctor may prescribe a lower dose for you which may later be increased. If you have missed a dose of Exelon (Rivastigmine), don’t double it at your will. Call your doctor immediately if you think that you have overdosed yourself.

Taking Exelon (Rivastigmine) may lead to a number of side effects. Speak to your doctor as to what you can expect before starting the course. You may suffer from diarrhea, dizziness, weakness, pain in the joint, weight loss, cough and cold, insomnia and headache. More seriously, you may suffer from vomiting, nausea, bloody stool, chest pain, fainting, coughing up blood and a general inability to control your emotions.
If you have taken an overdose of Exelon (Rivastigmine) you may feel nauseous, shallow breath or seizure. Call your doctor as soon as possible if you get any of these symptoms.

Before starting your course of treatment with Exelon (Rivastigmine), let your doctor know if you are also taking any kind of pain drug. It may cause adverse reaction if taken with Exelon (Rivastigmine).

Exelon (Rivastigmine) is recommended to patients to improve their brain functions so that they can perform normal daily task properly. It is usually administered on patients of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Exelon (Rivastigmine) is known to improve co-ordination, orientation, language and memory of patients. The effects of Exelon (Rivastigmine) can be noticed after a course of at least three months.
Of course, your doctor may prescribe Exelon (Rivastigmine) for other reasons too.

It is very important to keep Exelon (Rivastigmine) separately so as not to be confused with any other medicine. Keep out of reach of children.

Though there is no evidence to prove that Exelon (Rivastigmine) is harmful for pregnant women, it is best to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to be, just to be on the safe side. Also let him know if you are a lactating mother still breastfeeding your baby.
Let your doctor know whether you have asthma, an enlarged prostate or any cardiovascular diseases.