Rivastigmine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 30, 2025.

Applies to rivastigmine: oral capsule.

Other dosage forms:

• transdermal patch extended release

Serious side effects of rivastigmine

Along with its needed effects, rivastigmine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking rivastigmine:

More common side effects

• diarrhea
• indigestion
• loss of appetite
• loss of strength
• nausea and vomiting
• weight loss

Less common side effects

• fainting

Rare side effects

• aggression
• convulsions (seizures)
• trembling and shaking of the hands and fingers
• trouble urinating

Incidence not known

• bloody or black, tarry stools
• chest pain or discomfort
• constipation
• difficulty with speaking
• drooling
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• loss of balance control
• muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness
• restlessness
• severe stomach pain
• shortness of breath
• shuffling walk
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• stiffness of the limbs
• trouble urinating
• twisting movements of the body
• uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back
• unusual tiredness
• vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking rivastigmine:

Symptoms of overdose

• chest pain or discomfort
• increased sweating
• increased watering of the mouth
• irregular, fast, slow, or shallow breathing
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• nausea (severe)
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• seizures
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness
• vomiting (severe)

Other side effects of rivastigmine

Some side effects of rivastigmine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• abdominal or stomach pain or cramping
• bloated or full feeling
• confusion
• dizziness
• headache
• mental depression
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• trouble sleeping

Less common side effects

• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• runny nose

For healthcare professionals

Applies to rivastigmine: oral capsule, oral solution, transdermal film extended release.

Dermatologic adverse events

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperhidrosis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Rash
• Frequency not reported: Pruritus
• Postmarketing reports: Stevens-Johnson syndrome disseminated allergic dermatitis^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension, bradycardia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypotension
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Angina pectoris
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cardiac arrhythmia (e.g., bradycardia, atrioventricular block, atrial fibrillation, tachycardia)
• Frequency not reported: Sick sinus syndrome^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (47%), vomiting (31%)diarrhea (19%), abdominal pain (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia, salivary hypersecretion, upper abdominal pain, flatulence, eructation
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Gastric and duodenal ulcers
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): GI hemorrhage, pancreatitis
• Frequency not reported: Some cases of severe vomiting were associated with esophageal rupture^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary incontinence
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Elevated liver function tests, hepatitis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Tremor (23%), dizziness (21%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Somnolence, bradykinesia, dyskinesia, cogwheel rigidity, hypokinesia, vertigo, psychomotor hyperactivity, gait disturbance, Parkinson gait, headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syncope, dystonia
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Seizures^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, confusion, depression, anxiety, hallucination, agitation, restlessness, nightmares^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Application site erythema, application site irritation (e.g., pruritus, rash)
• Postmarketing reports: Application site hypersensitivity, urticaria, blister, allergic dermatitis^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Anorexia (17%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Decreased appetite
• Frequency not reported: Dehydration^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, weight loss, fatigue, malaise, fall^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Rhinitis^[Ref]

Further information

Rivastigmine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer