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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. Rivastigmine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms: Oral Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
Rivastigmine is used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Rivastigmine is in a class of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors. It improves mental function by increasing the amount of a certain natural substance in the brain. Rivastigmine comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day with meals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Rivastigmine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will start you on a low dose of Rivastigmine and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 2 weeks. If you have severe stomach side effects such as upset stomach and vomiting, you may need to stop taking Rivastigmine for a few doses and then start taking it again at the same dose or a lower dose. If you stop taking Rivastigmine for more than a few days, talk to your doctor before starting to take it again. You will probably have to restart taking it at the lowest dose. Brand names: - Exelon - Rivastigmine |