Generic Name: Exelon for Alzheimer's Disease (rivastigmine)
"Mom, 85, started using the Exelon Patch (13.9) about one year ago, and it has made such a wonderful improvement in her mood, quality of life, and cognitive ability. It has given her back a life and provided the family quality time to enjoy her. Before the patch, her memory was poor, she was agitated and continually negative, suspicious, and lashing out at everyone. Thanks to the Exelon patch, she's able to have a normal, peaceful life, without any type of side effects. We feel very blessed to have been told about the patch, and I try to inform people with similar situations of the impact it has had on my mom."
"I am 71, and my mom died at 91 after a long decline into total dementia, though not Alzheimer's. When she was given Exelon, she became quite difficult and insulting, so we took her off. I was experiencing initial stages of decline at the time, and so I tried her remaining patches for 10 days, at 4mg strength. I immediately felt an improvement in clarity and motivation, but I am under heavy blood pressure medicines and still did not have the ability to do all I wanted. After 10 days, I stopped the patches and quickly went back to my somewhat confused and listless situation. Three months later, I got a prescription and began using the patches again with significant improvement. But a 9.5 dose makes me aggressive. The problem is the price."
"My husband has advanced Alzheimer's and has been on 3 weeks of the 4.6 patch. He has become sexually active after months of no sex, but now wants it every night. I'm afraid to get him to the next level."
"My mother has been on the patch with no side effects at all. She has only been taking it for a few weeks, but I can tell a huge change in her confusion, and she's not as aggressive. The only problem is how expensive it is."
"My mother was put on the patch several years ago. It is difficult to measure its effectiveness with a degenerative disease, but I think she has declined a little slower than others I have seen. However, the cost is terrible even after Medicare Part D pays."
"I have 7 immediate family members that had Alzheimer's and died, except my younger sister, Debra, age 61. She resides in a nursing home and was admitted 1/13/13. My doctor put me on the Exelon patch around that time. I have enjoyed extra energy. I have been diagnosed with mild cognitive loss. I am 63. No adverse side effects from the Exelon patch. Don't like the black gummy circle it leaves on skin. On 9/20/2015, I went to my pharmacy for my Exelon patch. The script they gave me was for rivastigmine, with a bright red sticker: a generic equivalent drug has been dispensed of the same quality and at a lower price. Untrue. It falls off and sticks to clothes. 1st script at generic price, 2nd and on full price of Exelon. Insurance won't pay."
"I used one month's worth of the 4.6 patches without any problems. I stepped up to the next level (I think 9.5) and immediately had headaches, nausea and tardive dyskinesia. I went back down to the 4.6 level and now have constant headaches, nausea and ringing in my ears."
"My father has been on the patch now about 2 1/2 months for Alzheimer's dementia. He stepped up to the 13.3 mg about 2 weeks ago and the patches don't want to stay on. Nurse asked if they could use skin prep before the application; but Novartis helpline didn't answer that question. They are going to check out the lot the patches came from to be sure it's not a manufacturer issue. "
"I've only been using this medication (patch) for a month but the positive effects it has had on me are spectacular. It has eased my discomfort and confusion. I have experienced no side effects at all."
"Helped my dad with this patch. He was less agitated, better behaved, and was able to do more for himself."
"this med does nothing but empty my wallet and make me nuts. You are really crazy if you take------it does nothing except screw with your mind"
"My mum had quite a few side effects."
