Nuedexta is used to treat certain mental or mood disorders such as PBA or PseudoBulbar Affect. PBA is a medical condition that causes sudden and involuntary episodes of laughing or crying in people who have suffered certain brain injuries in the past. In fact, PBA episodes are usually exaggerated and don’t match how the individual feels. It is considered a different type of neurological condition to many other emotional changes experienced by people who are suffering from neurologic conditions or brain injuries. This article provides information on how long for Nuedexta to work efficiently.
This drug combines two effective ingredients – quinidine and dextromethorphan. Dextromethorphan will usually work in the brain – though it is not very clear how the element helps treat PBA. Quinidine is added to this ingredient to increase its effect. You should take the medication by mouth with a full glass of water. It could be taken with or without food for that matter. Don’t lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking the medication. Although the recommended dosage is one capsule very twelve hours, you doctor may prescribe a lower dosage to reduce the risk of side effects at the beginning. In fact, you might be prescribed one capsule daily for the first seven days. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided while taking the medication since it can interact with the drug. You should strictly follow your doctor’s advice when taking the medication for the best results over time.
Nuedexta, like any other medication, comes with a few side effects.
Some of the major side effects of the drug include:
- diarrhea
- cough
- dizziness
- vomiting
- swelling in the feet/hands/ankles
- slight drowsiness
If you experience these side effects frequently, you should consult your doctor and get his/her advice. You should also remember that your doctor has prescribed the medication because he/she had judged that the benefits of the medication are greater than the side effects of it. Nevertheless, if you experience frequent side effects, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately. On the other hand, if you experience any serious side effects such as dark urine, bleeding, bruising, muscle spasms, or stomach pain, you should stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.
The medication can increase the levels of serotonin and cause a serious condition known as serotonin syndrome. This condition is very rare. The risk will increase if you take other drugs that increase your serotonin levels while taking Nuedexta. That’s why it is important to tell your doctor if you are taking such medications when he/she prescribes Nuedexta. Your doctor will check for any allergies to dextromethorphan, quinine, quinidine or mefloquine before prescribing this medication. This medication may also contain certain inactive ingredients which may cause allergic reactions to other problems. Talk to your doctor for more details on this.
After 12 weeks on Nuedexta, more than 82% of the patients have experienced fewer PBA episodes than in the past. On the other hand, 44% of these patients experienced fewer PBA episodes within one week of using the medication. This was revealed during a 12-week clinical trial. In fact, 29% of these people were totally free of PBA episodes during the final two weeks of the 12-week study.
So to summarize, Nuedexta is considered an effective medication for PBA episodes. Your doctor is the best person to diagnose the condition and prescribe the right medication for it. Nuedexta has been receiving quite a positive review from a majority of patients who take it. Apply the information above and you’ll understand how long it will take for the drug to work.
