ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.
Overview
The patch causes less nausea than the capsules.
What it's used for
- Alzheimer's dementia
- Parkinson's disease dementia
How to take it
- Patch: apply a new one daily to a different spot and remove the old one.
- Capsules: take with meals twice a day.
- If several days are missed, restart at the lowest dose.
Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Less appetite
- Dizziness
Call 911Fainting or a fast, irregular heartbeat
Call your provider todaySevere vomiting or weight loss
Warnings
- Putting on more than one patch can cause serious overdose.
Other medicines, foods, and alcohol
- Anticholinergic medicines work against it.
- Beta blockers add to slow heart rate.
Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not usually relevant.
Missed doses, overdose, and storage
If you miss a dose
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.
If someone takes too much
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.
Storing it
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.
Conditions it's used for
Sources
- DailyMed: FDA drug label for Rivastigmine (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- MedlinePlus: Drugs, herbs, and supplements
- FDA: Drugs@FDA
Last updated 2026-11-13.