Rivastigmine (riv-a-STIG-meen) is used to treat the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Rivastigmine will not cure Alzheimer's disease, and it will not stop the disease from getting worse. However, rivastigmine can improve thinking ability in some patients with Alzheimer's disease.

In Alzheimer's disease, many chemical changes take place in the brain. One of the earliest and biggest changes is that there is less of a chemical called acetylcholine (ACh). ACh helps the brain to work properly. Rivastigmine slows the breakdown of ACh, so it can build up and have a greater effect. However, as Alzheimer's disease gets worse, there will be less and less ACh, so rivastigmine may not work as well.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor.Do not take more or less of it, and do not take it more or less often than your doctor ordered. Taking too much may increase the chance of side effects, while taking too little may not improve your condition.

Rivastigmine is best taken with food.

Rivastigmine seems to work best when it is taken at regularly spaced times, usually two times a day, in the morning and evening.

Dosing?

The dose of rivastigmine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of rivastigmine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

For oral dosage form (capsules):
For treatment of Alzheimer's disease:
Adults?To start, 1.5 milligrams (mg) twice a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually if you are doing well on this medicine. However, the dose is usually not more than 6 mg twice a day.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur.

More common
Diarrhea; indigestion; loss of appetite; loss of strength; nausea and vomiting; weight loss


Less common
High blood pressure; fainting


Rare
Aggression; convulsions (seizures); trembling and shaking of hands and fingers; trouble in urinating


Symptoms of o