Pimavanserin
Description
Pimavanserin is an atypical antipsychotic used for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions due to Parkinson’s disease psychosis (a non-motor symptom that eventually develops in patients with Parkinson's disease). This medicine is not recommended for use in children.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Pimavanserin
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Slow heart rate
- Swelling of the tongue
- Hives
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Weight gain
- Bloating
- Unsteadiness
Uses of Pimavanserin
What is it prescribed for?
- Psychosis
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of severe side effects such as dizziness, difficulty in concentration, impaired judgment, etc. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to Pimavanserin or any other inactive ingredients present along with the formulation.
Severe renal impairment
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from severe kidney impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) or end-stage kidney disease due to an increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Liver impairment
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from liver impairment due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of liver function is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from kidney diseases due to the increased risk of adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition. This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe kidney impairment.
Alterations in lipid levels
This medicine may cause alterations in lipid levels and should be used with caution in patients with lipid disorders or abnormalities. Close monitoring of the clinical condition, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Use in children
This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Driving or operating machinery
This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience any of these symptoms.
QT prolongation
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with a known history of prolonged QT intervals due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Close monitoring of the clinical condition, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of severe side effects such as dizziness, difficulty in concentration, impaired judgment, etc. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
Interaction with Medicine
Tramadol
Alfuzosin
Amoxapine
Azithromycin
Codeine
Clotrimazole
Ketoconazole
Disease interactions
Dementia
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with dementia-related psychosis due to the increased risk of heart failure, pneumonia, death, etc. This risk is especially high in elderly patients. Replacement with a suitable alternative should be considered under your doctor's supervision.
Seizures
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with seizure disorders or central nervous system abnormalities due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with a known history of a neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of the clinical condition, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Tardive Dyskinesia
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with tardive dyskinesia, a condition of involuntary repetitive body movements, since it may worsen the patient's condition. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Appropriate patient/caregiver education, close monitoring of the patient's condition, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Diabetes Mellitus
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus because it may alter the blood glucose levels in such patients. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine exactly advised by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop taking this medicine before completion of the course/without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by binding to certain receptors and inhibits the release of the chemical substances that cause psychotic symptoms.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Atypical antipsychotics
Schedule
Schedule H
Pimavanserin: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2020 [cited 30 April 2020]. Available from:
[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2020 [cited 30 April 2020]. Available from:
Nuplazid® - Acadia [Internet]. Acadia. 2020 [cited 30 April 2020]. Available from:
Mental Health Medications | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness [Internet]. Nami.org. 2020 [cited 30 April 2020]. Available from:
Pimavanserin - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2020 [cited 13 May 2020]. Available from:
DailyMed - Nuplazid- pimavanserin tartrate capsule Nuplazid- pimavanserin tartrate tablet, coated [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2020 [cited 13 May 2020]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 13 May 2020
Disclaimer
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