Does someone in your family, perhaps your mother, father, or someone you know, suffer from Parkinson 's disease ? Such people can sometimes experience hallucinations , such as seeing and hearing things that are not really there, and also have strange delusions. Living with these conditions can be a very difficult experience for them, as well as for you to take care of them. So, Pimavanserin is a special medicine that doctors prescribe to control such mental problems. Today, we will talk about this medicine in a simple way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is Pimavanserin?
Pimavanserin, which is marketed under the brand name NUPLAZID , is a medication that treats hallucinations and delusions in people with Parkinson's disease . Simply put, these mental problems are caused by an imbalance in certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in our brain. So what this medication does is to balance the activity of those chemicals to some extent, helping to control the confusion, behavior, and thoughts that arise in your mind.
But here's something to keep in mind: This medication does not treat physical movement problems like tremors and difficulty walking caused by Parkinson's disease. It only treats the mental problems mentioned above. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called antipsychotics.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you Pimavanserin, your doctor will need to know your complete health history . This is because this medicine can interact with certain medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Your situation | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Dementia | There may be risks when using this medication with certain dementia conditions. |
| Any type of heart disease or irregular heartbeat | Pimavanserin can affect heart rhythm, so it is important to inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease. |
| Kidney disease | If kidney function is impaired, the elimination of the drug from the body may be affected. |
| Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood | Because these conditions affect heart rhythm, the risk may increase with medication. |
| Allergy to Pimavanserin or any other medicine, food, or dye | Reporting any allergies in advance can help prevent serious reactions. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding | You should seek special advice from your doctor about the use of medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
How should I use the medicine exactly?
- Take this medicine with a glass of water. Follow the instructions on the prescription label, as directed by your doctor.
- Swallow the capsule whole .
- You can take this with or without food.
- For those who have difficulty swallowing: You can carefully break the capsule open, add the medicine powder inside, and something like applesauce, yogurt , or pudding to a tablespoon, mix it together, and swallow. But once you do , you should swallow it right away . Do not chew the mixture.
- Take your medicine at the right time, at the right intervals. Do not take more than the doctor tells you to.
- Most importantly: Never stop taking your medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What if I accidentally take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else, even if your symptoms are the same as yours.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Pimavanserin can interact with some other medications you are taking. This can cause serious side effects . Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including those prescribed by other doctors, vitamins, and herbal remedies).
| Do not take Pimavanserin with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| Some medications for fungal infections | Eg: (fluconazole), (itraconazole), (ketoconazole) |
| Cisapride | A medicine for digestive system problems |
| Dronedarone | A medicine for heart rhythm disorders |
| Pimozide | A medication for another mental condition |
| Thioridazine | A medication for another mental condition |
| These things can also conflict, so be careful. | |
|---|---|
| Some antibiotics | Ex: (clarithromycin), (moxifloxacin) |
| Some antiviral drugs for HIV or Hepatitis | Ex: (ritonavir) |
| Other medications for heart rhythm disorders | eg: (amiodarone), (quinidine), (sotalol) |
| Some medications for fits | Ex: (carbamazepine), (phenytoin), (phenobarbital) |
| St. John's Wort | This is an herbal supplement taken for depression. |
This list is not complete. Other medications may interact with this medication. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Possible side effects of taking the medicine
As with any medicine, some people may experience side effects when taking Pimavanserin. Some of these can be dangerous, so it's important to be aware of them.
| 🚨 Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Heart rhythm changes | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. |
| 🙂 Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist. | |
| Confusion | Constipation |
| Drowsiness | Fatigue |
| Nausea | Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
How to store and dispose of medicine safely?
- Keep it in a safe place out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius) away from light.
- Do not use expired medicine.
How to dispose of unused medicine:
It is not a good idea to simply throw expired or unwanted medications in the trash or down the toilet. Ask your doctor for advice. Usually, if it is okay to throw them in the trash, you can take the pills out of the container, mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put them in a bag, seal it well, and throw them in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Pimavanserin is a medication for hallucinations and delusions caused by Parkinson's disease, not for physical problems like tremors.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any medications you take, especially heart disease.
- Never stop taking medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- If you experience rapid heartbeat, chest pain, or fainting, it could be a serious side effect. Seek immediate medical attention.
- If you accidentally take too much medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
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