Interesting Nuedexta Off Label Uses Such as Parkinsons and MS

Off Label Uses of Nuedexta

Are you familiar with the combination drug Nuedexta? If so, then you may know someone who suffers from Pseudo-Bulbar Affect (PBA). This condition is relatively uncommon in the US, but it can have an enormous impact on the life of patients. It is characterized by uncontrollable episodes of laughing or crying, even if it doesn’t match how the person feels inside. Approximately 2 million individuals in the US suffer from PBA.

Nuedexta is the first-ever FDA approved treatment for PBA. It is a combination drug that includes dextromethorphan as well as the class I antiarrhythmic agent quinidine. Most patients with PBA also have some form of brain injury or other neurologic condition. Nuedexta has proven to be a lifesaver for them. However, it’s interesting to note that Nuedexta can also be used for treating other medical conditions.

Several studies have been conducted to test the efficacy of Nuedexta for treating other disorders. Early results appear to be very promising, with health experts recommending the use of Nuedexta even for patients who do not suffer from PBA. These off-label uses of the drug Nuedexta might scare off some people, with many fearing that the drug might cause certain side effects that will only worsen the condition.

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Alzheimer’s disease is one of the first medical conditions for which index is tested. Health experts conducted a randomized clinical trial to see how effective it will be for patients with Alzheimer’s and significant agitation. The group was divided in two. The first was provided with Nuedexta, while the other was given a placebo. It has been shown that Nuedexta was able to help patients manage their dementia symptoms better.

Similar results were seen when Nuedexta was given to people with bipolar disorder. All of the patients had some form of depressive symptoms for two years at a minimum. Following 90 days of treatment, signs of improvement were readily seen in the patients. Health experts, however, agree that more studies are necessary to have reliable evidence for proving the effectiveness of Nuedexta for treating bipolar disorder.

Additional OFF Label Uses of Nuedexta Drug

20-10 DMQ Nuedexta

Scientists also conducted a study involving patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The goal was to evaluate the tolerability of the combination drug with diabetic neuropathy. Interestingly, the researchers found out that the drug leads to a significant reduction in pain while also improving sleep and overall quality of life. However, it’s important to note that for this study, in particular, a higher dosage was used than normal. This change in dosage could have had a large impact on the results of the research.

As you can see, there are plenty of Nuedexta off label uses, even for some of the more severe medical conditions. This doesn’t mean, however, that you should use it for the conditions are suffering from without the guidance of a medical professional. Also, you should make sure that you take the right dose of Nuedexta to avoid potential side effects. It’s important to keep in mind that despite the promising results of different studies, more evidence is needed to fully establish the effectiveness of Nuedexta off label uses when it comes to treating other medical conditions.

The medication used to make up the Nuedexta drug is in part what is used to also treat Parkinsons and MS.  While Nuedexta for Parkinsons is not a confirmed treatment for the disease, there is a clinical trial that was done that showed promising results of the use of the drug to treat the disease.

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Just like using any medication, be sure to work closely with your doctor so you can make sure that you are a perfect candidate for Nuedexta. There are instances in which the combination drug might cause more harm than good for your body. It can interact with other prescription medications you’re taking. Speak with your doctor first and ask how much to take daily and for how long. Following your physician’s instructions is always recommended to obtain optimal results.

Nuedexta and MS: Important Facts

Using Nuedexta to treat MSNuedexta is an effective drug that is used to manage uncontrollable emotional outbursts in people who suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS). The drug was developed by Avanir Pharmaceuticals and was first approved in the United States in 2010. The drug has been found effective in reducing the number of episodes of uncontrollable emotional expression. In fact, uncontrollable bouts of laughing or crying affect approximately 10% of patients who are suffering from MS. It is something that is quite distressing and embarrassing for people who are living with MS and their families and carers. That’s where Nuedexta comes in handy. This article provides information on the importance of Nuedexta in treating the symptoms of MS.

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) are variable and unpredictable most of the time. In fact, no two persons will have the same symptoms. On the other hand, each patient’s symptoms could fluctuate or change over time. While one patient may experience only a symptom or two, another patient will experience many other symptoms in the process. Most of the symptoms associated with MS could be easily managed with the right kind of medication.

Managing MS is considered an ongoing process. Hence, it is never too soon or too late to think about accessing the right type of treatment for your condition. Knowing what to look for and finding the right health care professional are important steps in treating the symptoms associated with MS effectively.




Uncontrollable bouts of crying and laughing episodes related to MS affects about 10% of patients who are living with multiple sclerosis. This condition is also known as the Pseudobulbar Affect or Affective Release. The condition is thought to have come from MS-related damage to the nerves in the brain that controls the expression of emotions. Nuedexta is an effective treatment for this condition. That’s why your doctor would prescribe this medication to manage such uncontrollable emotional outbursts in you.

Nuedexta contains a combination of quinidine and dextromethorphan. Dextromethorphan usually affects the brain signals that would trigger a cough reflex. That’s why it is used as a cough suppressant. On the other hand, quinidine would affect the way your heart beats. It is commonly used in patients who suffer from certain heart rhythm disorders. The combination of these ingredients has resulted in an effective medication to treat some of the symptoms of MS.

You should take Nuedexta exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Follow the directions of your doctor and don’t take the medication in smaller or larger amount. You should not take medicine longer than the recommended period. The medication is usually prescribed as one capsule a day for the first seven days and one capsule every twelve hours after that. Don’t take more than two capsules of Nuedexta within a 24-hour period. You can take the capsule with or without food. Your doctor may require to check the progress and adjust the dosage accordingly. That is why it is important that you see your doctor while taking the medication. You should take the dose as soon as you remember in case you have missed a dose. Skip it if it is almost time for the next dose. These are critical things to consider when taking Nuedexta for your MS condition.




In conclusion, multiple sclerosis has many symptoms including uncontrollable emotional outbursts such as uncontrollable bouts of laughing and crying. Nuedexta is an effective drug prescribed to treat these symptoms of MS. Your doctor is the best person to decide on the right prescription for your condition. The above article provides information on what you should know about Nuedexta and MS.

Nuedexta And Autism: Can This Medication Help Your Child?

Using Nuedexta to treat AutismDoes your child have autism? If you are the parent of an autistic child, you may be looking for treatments that can help them to manage their condition. The world is designed for people that are neurotypical, and you will want to help your child to navigate that world effectively.

Some parents opt to put their child on medication. Medication certainly isn’t the right choice for every child, but Nuedexta has been able to help some kids live a happy and healthy life.

What Does Nuedexta Help With?

The drug is primarily used to treat uncontrollable vocalizations and laughter. Because so many children with autism have this problem, it is prescribed on a regular basis.

However, these aren’t the only things that this medication can treat. It can help children that have issues with sensory overload, and it can even help children that have a lot of problems with stimming. You should talk to your doctor about this medication and the impact that it has on the brain.

What Are The Side Effects?

As a parent, you should always consider the side effects of the medication that you are giving your children. You have to weigh the pros and the cons and decide whether or not the benefits are worth the potential side effects.

The side effects that are commonly associated with Nuedexta are relatively mild. With that said, the studies that have been conducted are primarily designed around adults rather than children. Nuedexta may impact your child in other ways.

A conversation with your doctor will give you an idea of what you can expect. If you still have concerns about Nuedexta, you may want to talk to other parents. See if their child has taken this medication. Find out whether or not they had to deal with side effects.

The Cost

Medications can be expensive, especially if your insurance policy provides limited prescription coverage. Because Nuedexta is a newer medication, it is more costly than many other drugs that are available.

You should try to find out about the cost of the medication before you give it to your child. See if there are any discount programs that you can participate in. There is a good chance that you will be able to get this program for less.

Who Shouldn’t Take Nuedexta?

It’s imperative to remember that autism is a spectrum disorder. Autism does not impact every child in the same way. You shouldn’t assume that this medication will help your child just because it has helped others with autism.

You should look closely at the symptoms that this medication treats, and you should also examine your child’s symptoms. Take the time to see if this medicine will be beneficial for your child.

It’s always smart to be cautious when it comes to medication. Not every medication is right for every person. Look closely at a drug before you give it to your child.

Dosage

One of the biggest perks of Nuedexta is that is can deliver results even when a person is taking a lower dosage. Small dosages are much safer for children, which means that Nuedexta might work for your child. When you talk to your doctor about this drug, you should ask about dosages.

Nuedexta is an impressive medication, and there have been a lot of positive reports about it. A lot of people in the autistic community have great things to say about this drug. With that said, every medication has its downsides. It’s always a good idea to get the full picture before you make your decision.

A Guide To Using Nuedexta To Treat PBA

PBA treatment NuedextaPseudoBulbar, more commonly referred to as PBA, can cause untold heartache, embarrassment, and frustration for people who suffer from the condition. That is why finding a treatment that works is certainly a worthwhile pursuit. If y
ou, or someone you know, suffers from PBA, you may have heard that Neudexta can be used to treat the condition. Is this a viable option? Let’s take a look at a few of the details involved.

What Is PBA?

To understand whether a particular treatment has the potential to make a difference in the life of the patient; it is important to understand the nature of the condition.

PBA is seen in people with certain neurological conditions or brain injuries. The condition or injury causes damage to the brain area responsible for controlling how emotions are expressed. In effect, the brain signals can become disrupted; this disruption shows itself in the form of episodes of laughing or crying. These episodes are involuntary and spontaneous.

In general, the outburst of emotion can be described in one of the following main ways:

– Inappropriate
– Exaggerated

In the case of inappropriate outbursts, the person may suddenly begin to cry or laugh, even though the way they feel does not match their outward outburst.

Exaggerated outbursts may have an emotion that matches the situation. However, the sentiment is expressed much more intensely or for a longer period than would be viewed as normal.




Interestingly, the name of this condition very well describes the effect it has on a person’s life. ‘Pseudo’ means false and ‘bulbar’ means brainstem, indeed an appropriate term to describe such involuntary outbursts which do not reflect how the person actually feels.symptoms of PBA

What Are The Main Symptoms Of PBA?

The typical symptoms that a person suffering from PBA will display are outlined below:

– A neurological disease or brain injury

– Outbursts of crying or laughing

– Outbursts which are uncontrollable

– Outbursts which are brief

– Outbursts which are exaggerated

– A lack of connection between outbursts and underlying feeling.

A Look At How Nuedexta Can Treat PBA

Now that we have a clear understanding of PBA, including the typical symptoms and why the condition exists, it will be easier for us to understand how a particular treatment can make a difference. Indeed it is already clear that PBA is a condition which can cause considerable upset and embarrassment, hence finding an appropriate treatment could make a significant difference for good.




Neudexta has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of PBA. A study known as the PRISM II Study showed considerable improvement of PBA in patients who have Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injury, stroke, as well as other forms of dementia. The study saw a noted improvement in the number of uncontrollable episodes from which each patient suffered. In fact, the baseline was around 12 outbursts per week, however after 90 days using this treatment they had decreased to an average of two per week, a very noteworthy finding.

A closer look at a few more details of the study gives further evidence as to how effective Neudexta can be in easing the embarrassment and frustration experienced by people who suffer from PBA. The study included 367 participants over the course of 90 days. At the end of the study clinicians said that in 77% of the participants the PBA symptoms were either ‘much improved’ or ‘very much improved.’

So What Is Nuedexta?

Since it seems clear from the PRISM II study that a significant body of evidence exists in support of the use of Nuedexta to treat PBA, it would be interesting to understand what makes up the drug. Details of the two principal components are outlined below:

Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide

This element is active in the central nervous system.

Quinidine Sulfate

This component combines well with the dextromethorphan as mentioned above. Being a metabolic inhibitor, it allows for appropriate concentrations of dextromethorphan


It is also vital to understand that Nuedexta can interact with other medications which are currently being taken by the patient. The doctor will either make an adjustment to the dose of the current medication or use a different treatment if this seems to be the best option.

How Is Nuedexa Administered To Treat PBA?

Nuedexta is an oral drug and is administered in capsule form. A patient will start by taking one capsule each day for a full week. At the commencement of the second week, the dosage will increase to two capsules daily. The pills are given separately, with one being given every 12 hours. Two capsules are the maximum dose, and patients should never take more than this within a 24 hour period. If a patient misses a dose, they should simply skip it and wait until the next scheduled dose.

Do Any Self Assessment Tools Exist For People Who Think They May Be Suffering From PBA?

There are five key elements that people can think about when considering whether PBA may be a problem for them or for someone they know. These five elements are outlined below:

– Does the person have a neurological condition? (This may be multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury and such like)

– Does the person have involuntary outbursts of laughter or crying?

– Does the person burst out laughing or crying in situations which are not appropriate?

– Does the person have emotional outbursts which seem exaggerated concerning the situation?

– Does the person find it impossible to control their outbursts, even when they try to?

Analyzing the answers to the above five questions should put you in a good position to decide whether you or someone you know, may potentially be suffering from PBA. In fact, even if you do not answer yes to all of the above questions, PBA may still be an issue. In general, if your reply to the first question, as well as at least one of the other problems, is yes, you should raise PBA as a potential problem.

Family members, as well as friends, of a person suffering from PBA, will likely recognize that such outbursts are not usual, with the matter becoming a cause for concern. It is important to remember that a person who is suffering from PBA is undergoing a stressful condition. The outbursts can cause embarrassment and frustration for the sufferer, even having a significant impact on their relationships and their desire to engage in social activities. It stands to reason that finding a treatment which can reduce both the frequency and the severity of such outbursts could certainly contribute to an improved outlook and enhanced social opportunities for the person with PBA.

How Quickly Can Nuedexta Make A Positive Impact On Someone who Is Suffering From PBA?

The positive response to Nuedexta can be seen within a short period, in fact in as little as one week, symptoms of PBA can be significantly reduced.



In Conclusion

Indeed the road to having Nuedexta approved and its start to make a positive impact on the lives of people suffering from PBA has been a long one. It has taken ten years of research and development for Neudexta to be approved. For patients who respond to Neudexta, the change to their quality of life can be very significant. The treatment can give people the opportunity to get more enjoyment from life, something which PBA can certainly hinder.

Using Nuedexta for the Treatment of Dementia

Dementia Treatment using Nuedexta

Like many medications, Nuedexta may be used for a variety of purposes. Primarily, it is prescribed for a specific mental or mood disorder that is known as the pseudobulbar affect. This particular disorder is associated with a number of brain conditions, including ALS, stroke and multiple sclerosis. There is also some research to show that it may be beneficial for use in individuals who are suffering from dementia.

There are 2 different active ingredients in Nuedexta that work together to help control the symptoms of pseudobulbar affect. One of those medications is dextromethorphan, which is typically prescribed as a cough suppressant. It works in the brain by affecting the signals that may cause the cough reflex to trigger. It is not prescribed for coughing that is associated with asthma, emphysema or other similar lung conditions. This may help with the outbursts of inappropriate and uncontrollable laughing or crying associated with that condition. The other drug, quinidine, increases how dextromethorphan works in the brain.




Interestingly, there have been some recent studies showing that the combination of drugs in this medication may not only help individuals with pseudobulbar affect, it may also help individuals with Alzheimer’s

Senile elderly man taking daily medicine at the nursing home.

 

disease who are experiencing dementia. The study involves some 220 patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and the drug was shown to have a positive effect on their agitation over the course of the 10 week trial.

Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia, although it is not the only type. Dementia may also be caused by additional issues, such as Parkinson’s disease, vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. It all has the same general effect, however, and that is causing an individual to lose cognitive abilities to the point where it interferes with their daily life.

It has not been shown if Nuedexta is effective in treating other types of dementia other than Alzheimer’s dementia. Further studies may be necessary in order to test that possibility.

son of dad with AlzheimersOne of the positive aspects of the test dealing with Alzheimer’s patients is the fact that it eased the symptoms of agitation but did not worsen the symptoms of dementia, including thinking, memory and judgment. Aggression is a common sign of dementia as it continues to progress. It may start out with some restlessness but eventually, could lead to aggressive behavior such as fighting, yelling or destroying things.

Physicians feel that it is always best to manage problems associated with dementia without medication if at all possible. There are going to be times, however, when individuals need medication to control those symptoms. Some of the antipsychotic drugs developed for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, for example, are often used for individuals with dementia. Those medications can have some severe side effects, however, and may even promote an accelerated mental decline along with heart complications.



Nuedexta may provide a solution to help ease the problem with aggression in dementia patients without having to use those other, more dangerous drugs. There are some potential side effects associated with Nuedexta but they tend to be less difficult to manage as those associated with antipsychotic drugs. Some of those potential side effects can include dizziness, digestive upset, weakness, swelling in the extremities and drowsiness. As with taking any medication, it would be necessary to monitor the possibility for side effects and report anything to the physician.

The decision as to whether to prescribe Nuedexta for the treatment of dementia is one that is up to the doctor. Additional test will continue to be run to see if it is a viable solution for the treatment of aggression in Alzheimer’s dementia patients. The tests that were done so far, however, appeared to be positive in the fact that it did treat the aggression but did not hasten the mental decline that may be seen with the use of other drugs.

It is interesting to note, however, that physicians do have the ability to prescribe medications for uses other than the primary use if they feel it is appropriate to do so. It may be worth speaking to your doctor if you have a loved one with dementia and would like to see if the medication could control the aggression that they are experiencing.

Should You Use Nuedexta To Treat ALS

If you or a loved one is suffering from ALS, you are probably looking for medications that will help you to manage your symptoms. You may want to talk to your doctor about Nuedexta. While this medication has traditionally been used to help people with bouts of uncontrollable laughter, it has proven effective for treated some symptoms.

Should you use this medication? Here are a few of the benefits that it offers.

It’s The Only Medication That Is FDA Approved To Treat PBA

If you have issues with PBA, and you are looking for treatment, this is the medication that you are going to want to look at. At the time of writing, it is the only drug that has been approved by the FDA for this use.

While PBA symptoms can be very similar to depression symptoms, the two have very different causes. You can’t treat PBA like you would treat depression. You need to use a drug that will be a better fit for your specific issues.




It Was Developed By A Neurologist

A lot of medications were created by someone that has a limited understanding of neurology. However, that isn’t true of Nuedexta. This particular drug was designed by a neurologist. This is why it can do things that a lot of other medications can’t.

The drug was created by Dr. Richard A. Smith, who has worked with the Center for Neurologic Study for quite some time. He has a lot of experience with ALS patients, and he has a better understanding of their needs then many of the people developing pharmaceuticals do.

We Have A Lot Of Information About How It Works

There are some drugs on the market that are still very experimental. We only have a limited amount of information about how they work. Luckily, this isn’t true when it comes to Nuedexta. A number of studies have been conducted, and we know exactly how it impacts the brain.

This drug impacts sigma-1 and NMDA receptors in the brain. It has had a positive effect for a lot of people, and it works very quickly.

It Is Supported By Organizations And Doctors Alike

A number of respected doctors have spoken out in favor of this wonderful medication. ALS Worldwide has also sung the praises of this medicine. It’s done a lot of good, and that means that it has received a ton of support.

People aren’t usually willing to get behind medications like this unless the medications have delivered results. This medication has helped many, many patients, and it will help even more patients in the future.

It Has Minimal Side Effects

Obviously, side effects are always going to be a concern with medication. This is particularly true for people with serious conditions like ALS. Side effects can be devastating when you are already trying to cope with a serious condition. This drug isn’t completely free of side effects; some patients have encountered minor side effects. With that said, the effects aren’t particularly severe.




You should speak to your doctor about the side effects. You may be pleasantly surprised when you realize how few side effects this medication has. A large number of people have been able to take it without a problem.

Ultimately, you and your doctor are going to have to decide whether or not you should use Nuedexta to treat ALS. With that said, you should definitely bring this medication up at your next doctor’s visit. Talk about the benefits of this medication and see what your doctor thinks about it. They may wind up writing you a prescription.

What are some of the Drug Nuedexta Uses

Uses of Nuedexta and Considerations

What is Nuedexta?
Nuedexta is a prescription medication manufactured by Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as a treatment for pseudobulbar affect. This drug features a precise combination of dextromethorphan and quinidine which affect reaction in the brain and heart.

Dextromethorphan is a morphine class drug used to interrupt signals from the brain and is most often used as a cough suppressant. As a matter of fact, Dextromethorphan is the active ingredient found in “Robitussin” the popular cough syrup.

Quinidine affects the heartbeat and is often the prescription for people who suffer from arrhythmia or an irregular heartbeat disorder.

The combination of the two in Nuedexta is designed to treat the condition of pseudobulbar affect, which is associated with involuntary bouts of laughing of crying for no apparent reason. This condition is often found in people with neurological disorders, including ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) or multiple sclerosis.

The primary indication of a PBA condition includes these uncontrollable bursts of laughter or tears with no prior warning. There is also no reason for the greatly exaggerated reaction and are often not connected to the emotional state of the individual. Tears can quickly change to laughter, and the reverse is also true. Furthermore, these extreme mood swings can occur at any time and despite periods of normal temperament.

One of the most striking characteristics of the condition is the intensity of the emotional response, which means laughter and tears can last for long periods of up to several minutes in response to a vaguely funny or somber remark. The important thing to note is the high contrast in the reactions the individual would have provided before the condition.




Often people who suffer from the disease experience both symptoms simultaneously. However, crying is often the more common symptom of the condition. For this reason, the condition is often confused with a state of manic and uncontrollable depression. The difference between the two is that depression is a constant state, whereas PBA comes and goes in dynamic episodes. Furthermore, those with PBA don’t exhibit the same symptoms of sleeplessness, lethargy, and loss of appetite that those with depression experience.  Nevertheless, depression is quite commonly a result of a PBA condition as it begins to interfere with everyday living.

The most common causes of PBA involve neurological damage caused by injury or disease. These complications can directly affect the emotional response center of the brain and cause this confused response. Following are some of the most common causes for PBA and the need for the use of

Drug Uses Nuedexta:

–Multiple Sclerosis
-Parkinson’s Disease
-Alzheimer’s Disease
-ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
-Traumatic brain injuries
-Stroke

Complications Associated with PBA and Treatment with Nuedexta

There are moderately severe symptoms associated with PBA that can be cause for anxiety, depression, social isolation as well as the embarrassment in social situations. As it often accompanies a neurological condition, this can affect your capacity to cope with routine tasks and lead an ordinary life. Helping lead to a normal life is where Nuedexta is most often prescribed to interrupt these emotional responses and add a measure of control over one’s life. Nevertheless, there is some important consideration for taking this innovative medication.

Considerations for Using Nuedexta Medication

Those with a history of heart failure should consider taking Nuedexta a significant risk due to its heart affecting properties. One condition, in particular, is called “AV Block” and Long CT syndromes are especially critical and Nuedexta should not be used if these are a current concern.

Furthermore, you don’t want to use Nuedexta if you have your MAO inhibitor within the last two weeks. MAO inhibitors contain a volatile assortment of medication including linezolid, isocarboxazid, and methylene blue injection. This combination could produce a dangerous drug interaction with severe consequences.

If you are currently taking quinine, quinidine or mefloquine, you are also not a likely candidate for Nuedexta treatment. The same holds true if you have ever presented any allergic reactions to these medications.
Many other medicines have the capacity to react with Nuedexta or at the very least adversely affect the efficacy of the drug. It is essential that you counsel with your medical provider and informs them of all current medications before receiving your Nuedexta treatment.




Final Notes: the use of Nuedexta can only be efficient if properly assimilated by the body. CYP2D6 is a protein that affects how quickly the drug is eliminated from the bloodstream and body. People with high amounts of this protein, will not fully absorb the medication and the effects will be severely impaired. Furthermore, these “poor metabolizers” can present a greater chance of reacting poorly to the quinidine content. Testing can be done for levels of CYP2D6 to determine personal tolerance for the drug.

If you are considering Nuedexta for the treatment of PBA or any other condition, it is essential that you visit a qualified medical practitioner to ensure the best possible outcome for your medication.