Rivastigmine – What It Is and Who Needs It

Rivastigmine is a medication that boosts brain chemicals by blocking the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. In plain language, it helps keep the “memory” messenger (acetylcholine) around longer so brains with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s‑related dementia can work a bit better.

The drug comes in two main forms: an oral capsule that you swallow and a skin patch that sticks on for a day. The patch is popular because it avoids the stomach upset many people feel from the pills.

How to Take Rivastigmine Correctly

If your doctor prescribes rivastigmine, they’ll usually start you on a low dose – 1.5 mg twice daily for capsules or a 4.6 mg/24‑hour patch. The idea is to let your body get used to the drug before moving up.

Typical titration means increasing the capsule to 3 mg twice daily after about two weeks, then possibly to 4.5 mg twice daily if you tolerate it well. For the patch, you might step up to a 9.5 mg/24‑hour version and later to a 13.3 mg/24‑hour strip.

Take the capsules with food or right after meals – that cuts down nausea, which is the most common complaint. The patch should be applied to clean, dry skin on the upper back or upper arm, rotating spots each time you change it.

Never double up if you miss a dose. For pills, just skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. If you forget to replace the patch, put a new one on as soon as you remember but keep the old one off – don’t wear two at once.

Buying Rivastigmine Safely Online

In Canada you need a prescription for rivastigmine, so any legitimate online pharmacy will ask to see it. Look for a pharmacy that displays a valid Canadian licence number and offers a pharmacist‑help line.

Avoid sites that promise “no prescription needed” or sell the drug at prices far below the market – those are red flags for counterfeit products. Counterfeits may contain wrong ingredients, lower doses, or harmful contaminants.

When you place an order, check that the packaging matches the brand (Exelon is a common name) and that batch numbers are printed. If anything looks off, contact the pharmacy before opening the package.

Keep your prescription up to date. Doctors usually want to see you every three months while you’re on rivastigmine to check how well it’s working and whether side effects need adjusting.

Lastly, store the medication as instructed: capsules in a cool, dry place; patches at room temperature away from heat or moisture. Proper storage helps maintain potency.

Rivastigmine can be a helpful tool for managing symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s‑related dementia, but it works best when you follow the dosing plan, watch for side effects like nausea, dizziness, or skin irritation, and source the drug from a trusted pharmacy. Got questions? Talk to your doctor or pharmacist – they’re there to make sure you get the most benefit with the least hassle.