A patient with myasthenia gravis is taking pyridostigmine (Mestinon). Teaching a

1,5 -- An overdose or underdose of anticholinesterase drugs can lead to a myasthenic or cholinergic crisis. The goal of pharmacological therapy is to increase muscle tone; weakness after taking the medication should be reported as soon as possible to offset a medical emergency. Manifestations of myasthenic crisis include increased difficulty swallowing and chewing, muscle weakness, fast heartbeat and restlessness. Increased drooling, lowering of blood pressure, and headache are all common side effects of pyridostigmine (Mestinon).