Can Exelon cause agitation?
Exelon Patch (rivastigmine transdermal system) is a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease….
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Can Exelon cause agitation?
Exelon Patch (rivastigmine transdermal system) is a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease….

Preferred term | EXELON PATCH 13.3 mg/24 hours | EXELON PATCH 4.6 mg/24 hours |
---|---|---|
Agitation | 12 | 14 |
Urinary tract infection | 8 | 10 |
Fall | 8 | 6 |
Insomnia | 7 | 4 |
How does rivastigmine affect a person with dementia?
Rivastigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, works by increasing the levels of a brain chemical called acetylcholine which allows the nerve cells to communicate. This may improve the symptoms of dementia. Rivastigmine can be taken orally, either as capsules or a liquid, or by applying a patch on the skin.
Does rivastigmine cause agitation?
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, falls, insomnia, agitation, weight loss, headache and skin reactions (to the patches) were seen; the drop-out rate. For instance, a mortality rate might be the number of deaths per year, per 100,000 people.
What is the best medication for agitation in dementia?
But common ones that can ease agitation include: Medicines that treat paranoia and confusion, called neuroleptics or antipsychotics. Examples of these are aripiprazole (Abilify), haloperidol (Haldol), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), risperidone (Risperdal), and ziprasidone (Geodon).

Can Exelon make dementia worse?
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.
What are the side effects of Exelon patch?
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite/weight loss, diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, shakiness (tremors), and skin irritation at the application site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
What happens if you stop using the Exelon patch?
Do not stop taking rivastigmine or decrease your dose without first checking with your doctor. Stopping rivastigmine suddenly or decreasing the dose by a large amount may cause mental or behavior changes. If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose of rivastigmine, get emergency help at once.
What do they give dementia patients to calm them down?
Commonly used drugs: In older adults these include:
- Lorazepam (brand name Ativan)
- Temazepam (brand name Restoril)
- Diazepam (brand name Valium)
- Alprazolam (brand name Xanax)
- Clonazepam (brand name Klonopin)
What is the side effects of Exelon patch?
How long can you be on Exelon patch?
Do not leave the patch on for more than 24 hours. It will not work as well after that time and it may irritate your skin. After removing a used patch, fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together. Place the folded, used patch in its protective pouch.
Does rivastigmine slow down dementia?
Transdermal rivastigmine may improve the ability to think and remember or slow the loss of these abilities, but it does not cure Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in people with Parkinson’s disease.
How do you use Exelon patch for dementia?
Exelon Patch is indicated for the treatment of mild-to-moderate dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease (PDD). Initiate treatment with one 4.6 mg/24 hours Exelon Patch applied to the skin once daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].
How often should Exelon be given for Alzheimer’s?
The effective dosage of Exelon Patch in patients with severe Alzheimer’s disease is 13.3 mg/24 hours administered once per day; replace with a new patch every 24 hours. Interruption of Treatment. If dosing is interrupted for 3 days or fewer, restart treatment with the same or lower strength Exelon Patch.
Some patients also report that the Exelon patch causes a skin reaction at the site of application (such as redness or itching). Note: Alzheimer’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
When to switch from rivastigmine to Exelon patch?
A patient who is on a total daily dose of 6 mg to 12 mg of oral rivastigmine can be switched to the 9.5 mg/24 hours Exelon Patch. Instruct patients or caregivers to apply the first patch on the day following the last oral dose.