What is Nuplazid Uses, warnings & interactions
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Get started todayNuplazid (pimavanserin) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is manufactured by Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016 to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease. Because of how it works, Nuplazid treats these symptoms without worsening the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, which include tremors and muscle rigidity.
If your doctor has prescribed Nuplazid to you, you may want to know more about what it is and how it works. Here we’ll explain what Nuplazid is used for, how it works, its side effects, and more.
What is Nuplazid used for?
Nuplazid is an atypical antipsychotic used in the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis. Nuplazid is not approved to treat schizophrenia but is sometimes used off-label to treat this condition.
How does Nuplazid work?
The exact mechanism of action of Nuplazid in the treatment of hallucinations and delusions is not known. It is thought that it works through a combination of inverse agonist and antagonist activity at 5-HT2A serotonin receptors and 5-HT2C serotonin receptors. By attaching to these receptors, Nuplazid can affect the levels and activity of serotonin in your brain to lessen psychiatric symptoms. Nuplazid does not have any effect on dopamine levels.
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Nuplazid?
- 34 mg capsule
- 10 mg tablet
Before taking Nuplazid
Before taking Nuplazid, tell your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, including:
- Arrhythmias
- Long QT syndrome
- Kidney disease
- Low levels of potassium or magnesium
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding
How to take Nuplazid
- Read the Full Prescribing Information with Boxed Warning and Medication Guide that comes with Nuplazid.
- Take Nuplazid exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Do not change your dose or stop taking this medication without discussing it with them first.
- Nuplazid is typically taken by mouth once a day, with or without food. You should take this medication at the same time each day.
- If you cannot swallow capsules whole, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the medication into a tablespoonful of applesauce, pudding, yogurt, or a liquid nutritional drink. You should swallow this mixture immediately without chewing. Do not store the mixture for future use.
Nuplazid contraindications
You should not use Nuplazid if you have a known allergy to pimavanserin or any inactive ingredients in its formulation.
Nuplazid warnings
- Nuplazid increases your QT interval and should not be used with other medications that increase the QT interval.
- Medications like Nuplazid can cause an increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and should be avoided.
What drugs should not be taken with Nuplazid?
When Nuplazid is taken with other medications, it may change how they work or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. You should ask your doctor if any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take may cause drug interactions with Nuplazid, including:
- Strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and clarithromycin
- Moderate to strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and St. John’s wort
- Drugs that cause QT prolongation, including quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, disopyramide, amiodarone, moxifloxacin, ziprasidone, and thioridazine
What are some possible side effects of Nuplazid?
The most common side effects of Nuplazid seen in clinical trials include:
- Nausea
- Peripheral edema (swelling of feet or hands)
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Constipation
- Rash
- Altered walking
Nuplazid can sometimes cause more serious side effects, including:
- Serious allergic reactions (hives, swelling of the face or throat, and shortness of breath)
- Changes to your heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible adverse effects you experience while taking Nuplazid. You can report your adverse effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Nuplazid alternatives
Your doctor can prescribe other medications if Nuplazid is not right for you. Some alternative FDA-approved options include:
- Latuda (lurasidone)
- Vraylar (cariprazine)
- Zyprexa (olanzapine)
- Invega (paliperidone)
- Geodon (ziprasidone)
Nuplazid FAQs
Can you take Nuplazid while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
There is no data on the use of Nuplazid by pregnant women. In animal reproductive studies, no birth effects were seen when this medication was given to rats or rabbits. It is not known if Nuplazid is found in human breast milk or what effects it may have on a breastfed infant. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Is Nuplazid a narcotic?
No, Nuplazid is not considered a controlled substance. This medication has not been studied in humans for its potential for abuse, tolerance, or physical dependence.
How effective is Nuplazid?
In a clinical trial with Nuplazid, the majority of patients had fewer and/or less severe hallucinations and delusions when compared to a placebo. Some patients did not have any delusions or hallucinations after 6 weeks.
How long does it take Nuplazid to work?
Nuplazid can start reducing hallucinations and delusions in as little as 4 weeks and can reach its full effect in 6 weeks.
How much does Nuplazid cost?
Currently, there is no generic Nuplazid available on the market. The average cost of #30 Nuplazid 34mg capsules is over $6,200. However, you can save on brand-name drugs like Nuplazid through NiceRx if eligible for assistance.