5 mins read

Overview: Nuplazid is used to treat Parkinson’s disease-related delusions and hallucinations. Common side effects include confusion or fluid retention in the arms and legs. Nuplazid may cause a rare but serious heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation. It should be avoided in people with certain heart rhythm disorders or who take certain medicines. Nuplazid is available in an oral capsule or tablet.

Uses

What is Nuplazid used for?

Nuplazid (pimavanserin) is commonly used to treat delusions and hallucinations in people with Parkinson’s disease who have psychosis. Delusions are beliefs that are not based on reality. Hallucinations are when people hear, see, smell, taste, or otherwise perceive things that are not there.

Nuplazid may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Nuplazid work (mechanism of action)?

Nuplazid belongs to a group of medicines called second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics. It may work by balancing a brain chemical called serotonin, which is known to affect thoughts and mood.

How is Nuplazid supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Nuplazid

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 34 mg oral capsules
  • 10 mg oral tablets

How should I store Nuplazid?

Nuplazid should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place, and protect it from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Nuplazid?

The most common side effects of Nuplazid are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Fluid retention in your arms or legs
  • Confusion

There may be other side effects of Nuplazid that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Nuplazid?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Nuplazid are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Nuplazid may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Nuplazid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • A racing heart
  • A fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Heart Rhythm Changes. Nuplazid may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or who take medicines that prolong the QT interval. Tell your health care provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Nuplazid?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Nuplazid.

  • Nuplazid
  • Pimavanserin 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Nuplazid.

What should I know about Nuplazid before using it?

Do not take Nuplazid unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Nuplazid with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Nuplazid out of the reach of children.

A Nuplazid capsule can be swallowed whole, or it can be opened and the contents sprinkled into a tablespoon (15 milliliters) of applesauce, pudding, or yogurt. Take the mixture right away. Do not store the mixture to use later.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Nuplazid?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them find out if Nuplazid is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Psychosis Related to Dementia. There is a higher risk of death, stroke, or ministroke in older adults who take Nuplazid or another antipsychotic and have memory loss or psychosis related to dementia. Nuplazid is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis, unless the hallucinations and delusions are related to Parkinson’s disease.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Nuplazid may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Nuplazid, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Nuplazid could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Nuplazid passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take lurasidone while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Nuplazid?

For more information about Nuplazid, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.nuplazid.com or call them at 844-422-2342.

Interactions

Does Nuplazid interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Nuplazid and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Nuplazid. The risk of confusion may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Nuplazid.

Does Nuplazid interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Nuplazid.

  • Any medicine that can cause QT prolongation, which is a potentially dangerous heart rhythm problem, such as amiodarone, chlorpromazine, moxifloxacin, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, thioridazine, ziprasidone, and others
  • Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), ketoconazole, posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Efavirenz, which is a medicine for HI

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Nuplazid. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Nuplazid. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Nuplazid?

If you or someone else has used too much Nuplazid, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Nuplazid?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.