Uses
Pimavanserin is used to treat hallucinations and delusions in people with psychosis from Parkinson’s disease (PD; a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance). Pimavanserin is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.
Side Effects Of Pimavanserin
Pimavanserin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
- confusion
- difficulty walking normally
- rash
- hives
- swelling of the tongue
- throat tightness
- shortness of breath
Pimavanserin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking pimavanserin:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to pimavanserin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in pimavanserin tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, Teril, others); chlorpromazine; clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac); gatifloxacin; indinavir (Crixivan); itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox); ketoconazole; certain medications for irregular heartbeat including amiodarone (Nexterone, Pacerone), disopyramide (Norpace), procainamide, quinidine (in Nuedexta), and sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize); moxifloxacin (Avelox); phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater); thioridazine; or ziprasidone (Geodon). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with pimavanserin, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had QT prolongation (an irregular heart rhythm that can lead to fainting, loss of consciousness, seizures, or sudden death); an irregular heartbeat; low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood; or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking pimavanserin, call your doctor.
Dosage Of Pimavanserin
Pimavanserin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily with or without food. Take pimavanserin at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take pimavanserin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
