What sort of side-effects might occur if I am taking an anticholinesterase?
Use the table below to find out about some of the side effects you might get with an anticholinesterase:
|
Side effect |
What happens |
What to do about it |
|
COMMON (less than about 1 in 10 people might get these) |
||
|
Headache |
When your head is painful and pounding. |
Ask your pharmacist if it is safe to take paracetamol with any other medicines you are taking. |
|
Loss of appetite |
Not feeling hungry. You may lose weight. |
If this is a problem, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. |
|
Dizziness |
Feeling light-headed and faint. |
Don't stand up too quickly. Try and lie or sit down if you feel it coming on. A change in dose may help. Discuss this with your doctor. |
|
Nausea and vomiting |
Feeling sick and being sick. |
Take the dose with or after food. If it is bad, contact your doctor. It may be possible to adjust your dose. |
|
Diarrhoea |
Going to the toilet more than usual. Passing loose, watery stools. |
Drink plenty of water. Get advice from your pharmacist. If it lasts for more than a day, contact your doctor. |
|
Sleep disturbances |
You can't sleep very well and may have nightmares. |
If you feel like this for more than a week after starting the medicine, tell your doctor. |
|
UNCOMMON (less than about 1 in 100 people might get these) |
||
|
Urinary retention |
Not much urine passed. |
Contact your doctor now. |
|
RARE (less than about 1 in 1000 people might get these) |
||
|
Seizures |
Having a fit or convulsion. |
Stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately. |
If you are having the rivastigmine skin patch, about 1 in 25 people (4%) have to stop due to skin rash. If this happens make sure you follow the instructions carefully e.g. rotating the place where the patch is put on.
Do not be worried by this list of side effects. Some people get no side effects at all and others may get some effects that are not listed in this table. Side effects tend to be worse with higher doses. Starting with a lower dose sometimes helps. If you think you might have a side effect to your medicine, you should discuss this with your doctor, nurse of pharmacist. You should also see the manufacturer's information leaflet.
Updated 12.11