Managing Potential Side Effects of Nuedexta Medicine
Nuedexta, a medication used to treat pseudobulbar affect (PBA) in adults, can have various effects on the body. While it can help manage symptoms of PBA, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects.
Firstly, Nuedexta can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms may include skin rash, itching, flushing, swelling under the skin, swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Both alcohol and Nuedexta can affect your central nervous system. Drinking alcohol while taking Nuedexta can increase the effects of alcohol in your body. It's, therefore, recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while on Nuedexta treatment.
Talk with your doctor about any heart problems or a history of heart problems before taking Nuedexta. Certain medications can also increase your risk of long QT syndrome, a condition that may lead to heart rhythm changes.
Weight gain is not a common side effect of Nuedexta, but it may cause peripheral edema, which can make it seem as though weight gain has occurred. If you have concerns about gaining weight while taking Nuedexta, discuss them with your doctor.
Serious side effects of Nuedexta include thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count), serotonin syndrome, liver problems, quinidine poisoning, heart rhythm changes, and severe allergic reaction. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Nuedexta can cause dizziness, which can increase your risk of falls. Older adults may be at a higher risk of side effects, especially dizziness, which can lead to falls.
Less common but potentially serious side effects of Nuedexta include respiratory depression, neurotoxicity, and psychological dependence. Although the link between dextromethorphan and neurotoxic brain lesions (Olney's lesions) is not conclusively proven in humans, disturbances in sleep, senses, movement, mood, and thinking have been reported, especially with prolonged or recreational use.
Close monitoring is advised if these symptoms appear during treatment with Nuedexta. Other symptoms suggesting central nervous system effects that might require medical attention include confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and anxiety.
It's essential to note that, because Nuedexta affects serotonin reuptake, there is a risk of serotonin syndrome if combined with other serotonergic drugs.
Nuedexta is safe for older adults, but they may be at a higher risk of side effects, especially dizziness, which can lead to falls. If you have a history of falls, discuss this with your doctor before taking Nuedexta. They may recommend ways to help reduce your risk of falling during treatment with Nuedexta.
It's not known whether taking Nuedexta is safe if you're pregnant or breastfeeding your child. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking Nuedexta.
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. If your symptoms are serious and you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
In summary, while common side effects can be mild (e.g., drowsiness, nausea), the less frequent but serious side effects to watch for are respiratory depression, neurotoxic effects, psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms, central nervous system effects, and weight gain due to peripheral edema. Close monitoring is advised if these symptoms appear during treatment with Nuedexta.
[1] Olney JW. Neurotoxicity of dextromethorphan: a new drug of abuse? Neurotoxicology. 1995;16(1):1-14. [5] Narayanan M, et al. Dextromethorphan and quinidine in the treatment of pseudobulbar affect: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2016;36(3):247-256.
- Despite Nuedexta aiding in treating neurological disorders like pseudobulbar affect, it's crucial to comprehend its potential side effects, such as allergic reactions, serotonin syndrome, and liver problems.
- In addition to its primary use, Nuedexta can have effects on the body's science, notably in the field of health-and-wellness, mental-health, and therapies-and-treatments, or T&T.
- Pharmacy-wise, Nuedexta can interact with other drugs or substances, increasing the risk of long QT syndrome or serotonin syndrome, especially when combined with other serotonergic drugs.
- Beyond proven neurological benefits, some studies suggest that misuse or prolonged use of Nuedexta might lead to other neurological disorders or impacts on the brain, such as Olney's lesions or disturbances in sleep, senses, movement, mood, and thinking.
- For better understanding of the drug's effects and potential risks, it's recommended to consult a healthcare professional about Nuedexta and its compatibility with your current medications or conditions, including pregnancy and breastfeeding.
