Uses of Rivastigmine

Rivastigmine is used to treat mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s dementia and mild to moderately severe dementia with Parkinson’s disease in adults.     

Therapeutic Category

Rivastigmine: Cholinesterase inhibitors

How Rivastigmine works

Rivastigmine works by blocking the enzymes that break down acetylcholine. By blocking these enzymes, it allows levels of acetylcholine to be increased in the brain, which helps to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease. 

Common side effects of Rivastigmine

• drowsiness, dizziness, headache
• loss of appetite, heartburn
• stomach problems such as nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea
• anxiety
• sweating
• weight loss
• stomach pain
• feeling agitated, trembling or feeling confused
• feeling tired or weak, generally feeling unwell
• accidentally falling 
• feeling restless
• slow heartbeat, high blood pressure  
• difficulty in sleeping
• increased saliva secretion and dehydration
• unusually slow movements or movements that cannot control
• urinary incontinence (inability to retain adequate urine) 

When to consult your doctor

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience fits (seizures)
• If you experience chest pain or uneven heartbeat
• If you experience ulcers in the stomach or intestine
• If you experience parkinson’s disease symptoms such as stiff muscles, difficulty in carrying out movements and muscle weakness

Health Tips for Rivastigmine

• Drink adequate amount of water throughout the day and stay hydrated, because dehydration can affect cognitive functioning
• Practise stress reduction activities such as meditations, yoga, deep breathing exercises 
• Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Good sleep is crucial for brain health and cognitive function. 
• Engage in mentally stimulating activities such as reading, solving puzzles or learning new skills. Staying mentally active may help support cognitive function
• This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some individuals. If you experience these side effects, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery
• Avoid taking alcohol and recreational drugs as it can interact with this medicine and may affect its effectiveness or cause adverse reactions