Nuplazid (pimavanserin) is a brand-name drug prescribed for hallucinations and delusions related to Parkinson’s disease psychosis in adults. Nuplazid comes as an oral tablet or capsule that’s typically taken once per day.
Nuplazid belongs to a drug class called atypical antipsychotics. Nuplazid is available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Nuplazid, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Nuplazid, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Nuplazid provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Nuplazid, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
The following information describes Nuplazid’s typical dosage and other details about the drug.
Nuplazid forms
Nuplazid comes in two oral forms: a capsule and a tablet.
Nuplazid strengths
The forms of Nuplazid come in the following strengths:
| Form | Strength |
| oral capsule | 34 milligrams (mg) |
| oral tablet | 10 mg |
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended for adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for Parkinson’s disease psychosis
Doctors may prescribe Nuplazid to treat hallucinations and delusions related to Parkinson’s disease psychosis.
The typical recommended dosage is 34 mg once per day.
If you’re taking certain other medications with Nuplazid, your doctor may recommend a lower dosage of 10 mg once per day to treat your Parkinson’s disease psychosis.
How to take Nuplazid
Nuplazid comes as an oral capsule or tablet that you swallow whole. The drugmaker hasn’t specified whether the tablet can be cut, crushed, or chewed. You may take your dose with or without food.
With your doctor’s approval, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on one tablespoon of applesauce, yogurt, pudding, or a liquid nutritional supplement. Swallow right away without chewing the mixture.
It may be helpful to take Nuplazid around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Nuplazid can work effectively.
If you have trouble swallowing capsules or tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Long-term treatment
Nuplazid is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Nuplazid is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Before you start taking Nuplazid, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Nuplazid in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
It’s important that you don’t take more Nuplazid than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Nuplazid
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Nuplazid. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Nuplazid.
What is the starting dose of Nuplazid?
The typical recommended dosage of Nuplazid is 34 milligrams (mg) once per day. This will likely be your starting dosage. And you will continue taking this dosage as long as it’s safe and effective for you.
If you take certain other medications, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of Nuplazid. If this applies to you, the recommended dosage is 10 mg once per day. Tell your doctor about all of the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take before you start taking Nuplazid. They can help determine the right dosage of Nuplazid for you.
If you have more questions about your Nuplazid dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What should I do for a missed dose of Nuplazid?
If you miss a dose of Nuplazid, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one.
If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.