Rivastigmine and Hallucinations: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• January 12, 2011

Rivastigmine for Parkinson's Disease "My mother has been on this medication for 2 1/2 weeks. With each day she has become more and more agitated, confused, confrontational, and delusional. I am taking her off of it. It may be that this medicine is better suited for Alzheimer's patients than Parkinson's patients."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2020

For Parkinson's Disease "The neurologist started my husband on this pill, rivastigmine, 6 weeks ago, starting with one 1.5 mg pill at night. Two weeks later, two pills, and then three pills after 4 weeks. He never got to the three-pill level. After he started taking them, he progressively got worse and worse: agitation, hallucinations (which he never had before), not sleeping, crazy dreams, and talking all night. I didn’t connect this with the new pills immediately, I should have. After 5 weeks and him getting more and more intimidating, I finally thought of these pills. Called the doctor, and we went back to one pill for one night and then off completely. It took two days, but finally, he started to settle down. Now he is fine, 10 days later. My suggestion? Never take this pill!!!!!"

• Dad...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 1, 2022

For Alzheimer's Disease "My father's dementia diagnosis has never been clear. Although treated for Alzheimer's, he also suffered with hallucinations, which was an indicator of Lewy Bodies. My father's “dementia” was treated with Rivastigmine for approximately seven years, with a steady increase in dosage as the dementia worsened. The last two years, he was on the highest dose. His hallucinations had worsened significantly, and he became very agitated. He began to climb on furniture. My father was physically fit at this stage. I asked for a review of his medications to see if being treated for Lewy Bodies rather than Alzheimer's would be beneficial. The consultant decided to try Memantine. However, the consultant abruptly stopped the Rivastigmine. He was never given the Memantine. Within 72 hours, my father had severe withdrawal symptoms. He had complete cognitive failure, he could no longer walk or talk. He couldn't support his head and could no longer swallow. He died at age 78 two days later."

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2021

For Parkinson's Disease "After 4 days with the patch, mother with advanced Parkinson's was extremely weak and fatigued with insomnia. Dr. suggested stopping for a week, then try half a patch. After 6 days, agitation, irritability, with confusion and paranoia. No more patches and over $246 down the drain. (generic cost)"