Pimavanserin
About Pimavanserin
Pimavanserin is used in the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis. Parkinson’s disease is a central nervous system disorder that affects movement. It causes stiffness, shaking, difficulty walking, and impaired coordination and balance.
Pimavanserin contains Pimavanserin, an inhibitor of 5-HT2A receptor activity. Thus, it helps restore its level in the brain, thereby improving the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Some people may experience a headache, dizziness, nausea, constipation, vomiting, peripheral oedema, and difficulty/abnormal walking. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention. However, if these side effects worsen, please consult your doctor.
Take Pimavanserin with or without food, as advised by your doctor, and swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break it. Your doctor will advise you on how often you should take Pimavanserin based on your medical condition.
If you are allergic to Pimavanserin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Pimavanserin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and consult a doctor. If you have sleep problems or kidney, liver or heart problems, inform your doctor before taking Pimavanserin.
Medicinal Benefits
- Pimavanserin helps in clear thinking and relieves the psychotic symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.
- Pimavanserin is an FDA-approved drug used in the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis (PDP).
- This medicine helps to improve the quality of life.
- It also helps reduce frequent hospitalisations and delayed admissions in most patients with PD.
Directions for Use
- Pimavanserin can be taken with or without food, or as advised by your doctor.
- It is usually taken once a day or as directed by the doctor.
- Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush, or break it.
Side Effects of Pimavanserin
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Peripheral edema
- Constipation
Drug Warnings
- If you are known to be allergic to Pimavanserin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor.
- Avoid taking Pimavanserin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and consult a doctor.
- Pimavanserin is not recommended for use in children below 12 yeras of age.
- If you have sleep problems, kidney or liver problems, or QT prolongation, inform your doctor before taking Pimavanserin.
- Inform your doctor about your complete medication history before starting the treatment.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Pimavanserin may interact with antifungal medications (ketoconazole, itraconazole), analgesics (tramadol), antibiotics (clarithromycin), HIV medicines (ritonavir, atazanavir), anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenytoin), and corticosteroids (prednisone, dexamethasone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol intake as it may increase side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems or QT-prolongation, severe renal impairment, dementia, haematological abnormalities, seizures, or diabetes.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Pimavanserin as it may increase the risk of adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness or difficulty in concentrating.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Pimavanserin is safe for use in pregnant women or not. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is unknown if this medicine is excreted into the breast milk. Please consult your doctor before taking Pimavanserin if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
unsafePimavanserin may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel drowsy or dizzy after taking Pimavanserin.
Liver
unsafePimavanserin is not recommended for use in patients with liver impairment. Hence, please consult your physician.
Kidney
cautionPimavanserin should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe kidney failure.
Children
unsafePimavanserin is not recommended for children as the safety and efficacy have not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat more fiber-rich foods to ease constipation.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid headaches due to dehydration.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol as it may increase drowsiness.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Parkinson’s disease: It is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement due to nerve cell damage in the brain, which decreases the levels of dopamine and leads to symptoms such as stiffness, tremor in one hand, shaking, difficulty in walking, coordination, and balance. This condition can last for many years or lifelong. Treatment with medicines along with physiotherapy may help to control the symptoms and provide a quality of life for as long as possible.
FAQs
Pimavanserin is used in the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis.
Pimavanserin contains Pimavanserin, which works by inhibiting the activity of the 5-HT2A receptors.
The common side effects of Pimavanserin are headache, dizziness, nausea, constipation, vomiting, peripheral oedema, and difficulty/abnormal walking. These side effects usually go away after discontinuation of treatment. However, inform your doctor immediately if any of these side effects persist or get worse.
It is advised to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Pimavanserin, as it can worsen the condition of the patient and lead to other adverse effects.
