Exelon Side Effects

Exelon is the brand name for rivastigmine tartrate, an oral medication prescribed to treat mild to moderate dementia associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Available in capsules, oral solution and as a patch, Exelon temporarily improves brain function in some patients.

Function

• Exelon prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical important for memory and reasoning. Dementia patients usually have abnormally low levels of acetylcholine.

Nausea

• Nausea is a very common side effect of Exelon, particularly at the start of therapy. In some clinical studies, as detailed by eMedTV, nausea was experienced by nearly half of participants, and vomiting in up to 31 percent.

Other Gastrointestinal Effects

• Other gastrointestinal side effects also are common. These include abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, gas, heartburn, indigestion and lack of appetite.

Secondary Issues

• Nausea and other gastrointestinal effects can lead to poor absorption of nutrients, dehydration and significant weight loss. These can be serious problems for patients.

Psychological Effects

• Exelon can lead to serious psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, hostility and even hallucinations.

Other Side Effects

• Many other side effects are linked to Exelon use, some serious. Exelon can worsen stomach ulcers, lung problems and seizure disorders. It can lead to uncontrollable body movements (dyskinesia), high blood pressure and a dangerously slow heart rate.