What is Exelon?
Exelon (rivastigmine) is a treatment used to help people who have memory and thinking problems caused by Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.
Doctors often recommend Exelon for those with mild to moderate stages of dementia. Dementia means a person may forget names, get confused, or have trouble making simple decisions.
Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are both brain conditions that can lead to this kind of memory loss and thinking problems.
Exelon works by improving the way certain brain cells send signals to each other. This helps people stay more alert, remember things better, and manage daily tasks more easily.
Exelon comes in two forms: a capsule that you swallow and a patch that you stick on the skin. This gives people and their caregivers more choices depending on what feels easier or works best.
The patch form is helpful for people who may have trouble swallowing pills or who need steady treatment throughout the day.
Using Exelon regularly can help slow down the worsening of symptoms. It does not cure the disease, but it can make daily life more manageable.
People taking Exelon may find they can stay more independent and connected with others for longer.
Consult your doctor or care team before starting Exelon. They need to know about any other health conditions you may have, such as heart or lung problems, stomach ulcers, or seizures.
Let them know if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How Does Exelon Work?
Exelon helps improve memory, thinking, and daily function in people with dementia linked to Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. It works by supporting a natural chemical in the brain called acetylcholine.
This chemical helps brain cells communicate clearly, which is important for remembering, learning, and staying focused.
In people with dementia, acetylcholine levels are lower than normal. This makes it harder for brain cells to send messages. Exelon increases the amount of acetylcholine by blocking an enzyme called cholinesterase.
While it does not stop the disease from getting worse, it can help manage symptoms and make daily life easier for as long as possible.
Exelon does not cure Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, but it provides support to the brain by helping it utilize the signals it still receives.
Exelon Dosage and Administration
Exelon comes in capsule and patch forms, but this guide focuses mainly on the capsules. The dosage depends on the condition being treated, whether it is Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease dementia.
It also varies depending on how a person responds to the Exelon medication dosage, their weight, and other health conditions.
Dosage Form and Strengths of Exelon
Exelon capsules are available in different strengths. Each strength is marked by a different color for easy identification:
- 1.5 mg capsule
- 3 mg capsule
- 4.5 mg capsule
- 6 mg capsule
Although Exelon patches are also available, this guide focuses on the capsule form for daily use.
How to Take Exelon?
- Take Exelon twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening
- Always take with food to help prevent stomach upset
- Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew
- Take it at the same time each day to maintain a steady level in your body
- Follow your doctor’s directions and do not skip doses
- If you miss a dose, talk to your doctor before restarting
Recommended Exelon Dosage for Alzheimer’s Disease
For people with Alzheimer’s disease, the usual starting dose is 1.5 mg twice daily. After at least 2 weeks, if it is well tolerated, the dose may be increased to:
- 3 mg twice daily
- Then to 4.5 mg twice daily
- And finally, to the maximum dose of 6 mg twice daily (total of 12 mg daily)
Higher doses, such as 6 mg twice daily, have been shown to offer more benefit for some patients. However, the dose should only be increased if the lower one is well tolerated.
Recommended Exelon Dosage for Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
People with Parkinson’s disease dementia also start with 1.5 mg twice daily. The dose can be increased slowly over time, but each increase should only happen after 4 weeks of use:
- Increase to 3 mg twice daily
- Then to 4.5 mg twice daily
- The highest dose is 6 mg twice daily (total of 12 mg daily)
Taking the dose with food helps reduce side effects like nausea and stomach discomfort.
Exelon Dosage Adjustments for Specific Conditions
For people with kidney or liver problems
Those with moderate or severe kidney or liver problems may need lower Exelon medication dosages. Their bodies may not process the treatment the same way, so careful monitoring is required.
For people with low body weight (under 50 kg)
People who weigh less may be more sensitive to side effects. In such cases, a lower dose may be recommended, and the doctor will adjust it based on how the person feels.
If treatment is interrupted
If you stop taking Exelon for 3 days or fewer, you can usually restart with the same or a lower dose. However, if it has been more than 3 days, you will need to restart at 1.5 mg twice daily and increase the dose again slowly, just as you did at the beginning.
Exelon Side Effects
Like other treatments, Exelon may cause side effects. Some people feel mild issues like nausea, dizziness, or loss of appetite. Others experience serious problems such as vomiting, slow heartbeat, or skin reactions.
Common Side Effects
These Exelon side effects are usually mild and may go away as your body gets used to the treatment:
- Nausea, especially in the first few weeks
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Mild diarrhea
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- Headache
- Upset stomach or indigestion
- Tiredness or weakness
- Weight loss
- Sweating more than usual
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
Severe Side Effects
Some side effects are more serious and need medical help right away. Contact your doctor if you notice any of the following:
- Skin rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Blisters or peeling skin, including in the mouth
- Stomach pain or severe diarrhea
- Slow heartbeat or irregular heartbeat
- Fainting or frequent falls
- Confusion that gets worse
- Nervousness, agitation, or unusual behavior
- Uncontrollable body movements
- Trouble with balance or blurred vision
- More frequent or sudden urges to pass urine
- Sudden weight loss or signs of dehydration
Warnings and Precautions for Exelon
Exelon may cause stomach problems, allergic reactions, and other serious effects. People with certain conditions should use Exelon carefully and under close medical supervision.
- Do not use Exelon if you have had a severe allergic reaction to rivastigmine or any similar treatment in the past.
- Do not use Exelon patches if you have experienced skin reactions that resemble an allergic rash, unless allergy testing confirms it is safe.
- Exelon can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These may lead to dehydration, a serious condition.
- Start at the lowest dose to reduce stomach side effects. If you stop treatment for more than three days, restart at the lowest dose.
- Some people may experience allergic skin reactions, even when switching between patch and capsule forms. Stop using Exelon if this happens.
- People with Parkinson’s disease may notice worse shaking or body stiffness while using Exelon.
- Exelon may trigger seizures in rare cases, although seizures can also happen with Alzheimer’s disease itself.
- Exelon may increase stomach acid and the risk of ulcers or bleeding, especially in people with a history of ulcers or those using NSAIDs.
- Exelon may affect the way muscles react during surgery. Inform your doctor if you are scheduled for surgery.
- Exelon can slow the heart rate. People with heart rhythm problems need extra monitoring.
- Some people may faint during treatment. This has happened in a small number of cases.
- In rare cases, Exelon may cause difficulty urinating.
- People with asthma or other lung diseases should use Exelon with caution.
- Dementia can itself affect driving or the use of machines. Exelon may cause side effects that make this worse. Always check if it is still safe to drive.
Exelon Drug Interactions
Exelon can interact with other treatments, which may increase side effects or reduce how well it works. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take. Below is a list of known drug interactions with Exelon.
- Metoclopramide
- Oxybutynin
- Tolterodine
- Benztropine
- Trihexyphenidyl
- Dicyclomine
- Hyoscyamine
- Glycopyrrolate
- Ipratropium
- Scopolamine
- Atropine
- Donepezil
- Acebutolol
- Amifampridine
- Atenolol
- Betaxolol
- Bisoprolol
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Esmolol
- Labetalol
- Levobunolol
- Metipranolol
- Metoprolol
- Nadolol
- Nebivolol
- Oxprenolol
- Penbutolol
- Pindolol
- Practolol
- Propranolol
- Sotalol
- Timolol
- Bupropion
- Other treatments for Alzheimer’s disease
- Muscle relaxants that are used during surgery
- Antihistamines for allergy, cough, or cold
Alternative Medications to Exelon
If Exelon does not work well for you or causes unwanted side effects, your doctor may suggest other treatment options for memory loss and confusion related to Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.
These alternatives can help improve thinking, memory, and daily functioning. Below are some commonly used options.
- Aricept (donepezil)
- Namenda (memantine)
- Razadyne (galantamine)
- Leqembi (lecanemab)
- Aduhelm (aducanumab)
- Cognex (tacrine)
Get Budget-Friendly Exelon from Canada
Paying too much for your treatment can be stressful, especially when managing memory and thinking problems linked to Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. If you are looking for ways to save on your monthly expenses, buying from Canada can make a big difference.
The cost of Exelon in the United States is often much higher than what you would pay through trusted Canadian sources like Pharma Giant. You can now get the same trusted treatment without overspending.
Pharma Giant makes it easier to access affordable care. You can now enjoy a lower Exelon price without leaving your home.
- Shows you the full cost of Exelon upfront with no hidden fees.
- Works with licensed Canadian pharmacies for safe and approved products.
- Provides options to buy up to 3 months of your supply at a time.
- Ships directly to your home in 3-5 business days.
- Uses temperature-controlled packaging to protect sensitive items.
- Every order is checked by a U.S. doctor and a Canadian pharmacist.
- Easy-to-use online platform that saves you trips to the pharmacy.
How to Order Exelon Online?
- Search for Exelon on the website, choose your strength, and click Buy to add it to your cart.
- Enter your name, shipping address, and payment details at checkout. Use code PGSAVE10 to get 10% off your first order.
- Send your prescription by uploading it, emailing info@pharmagiant.com, or faxing it to 1-888-562-8159.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.
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