Frequently asked questions

• A hallucination means seeing, hearing, or experiencing things that others don’t

• A delusion means believing things that aren’t true

• Hallucinations may be described as:

  • Seeing things that others don’t, such as people, either living or deceased, animals, or objects

  • Hearing things that others don’t, such as hearing sounds, music, or voices

  • Smelling things that aren't there, like unusual odors

  • Feeling something that isn't there, like something touching or moving on the skin

  • Tasting something that isn't there, like experiencing an unusual taste in the mouth

• Delusions may be described as:

  • Paranoia, such as believing people are talking to you or trying to access your money

  • False beliefs, such as fears of your loved ones stealing from you, or loved ones putting you in harm's way

  • Jealousy, such as believing a significant other is having an affair

  • Beliefs that insignificant remarks or statements refer to you (eg, walking into a room of people laughing and assuming they are laughing at you)

• Hallucinations and delusions are the most common symptoms of psychosis associated with PD

• Currently there is no clear understanding of the exact cause of PD–related hallucinations and delusions

• However, these symptoms are thought to be caused by the following:

  • A side effect of dopamine therapy. Hallucinations and delusions may be a side effect of common PD medications (called dopaminergic therapies). These medications increase dopamine levels in the brain, helping improve motor symptoms in patients with PD. However, increasing dopamine levels may also cause changes that lead to hallucinations and delusions

  • The natural progression of Parkinson’s disease. Hallucinations and delusions may be caused by changes in the brain that occur naturally as PD progresses—regardless of whether or not you take any medications to increase your dopamine levels

• PD–related hallucinations and delusions typically occur in the later stages of PD, 10 or more years after initial diagnosis

• It’s important to speak to a healthcare provider if you or your loved one think you may be experiencing hallucinations or delusions

• PD–related hallucinations and delusions may get worse over time, and people who experience these symptoms may not have the ability to identify whether or not what they're experiencing is real

• You may use the Symptom Discussion Guide to help describe what they are experiencing to a healthcare provider.

• You may use the Treatment Discussion Guide to help you prepare for a conversation with your healthcare provider

• Medicines like NUPLAZID can raise the risk of death in elderly people who have lost touch with reality (psychosis) due to confusion and memory loss (dementia).

• NUPLAZID is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia who experience psychosis unless their hallucinations and delusions are related to Parkinson’s disease.

For additional safety information, see Safety page.

• NUPLAZID may help to reduce the frequency and/or the severity of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Individual results may vary

• Speak to your doctor to learn if NUPLAZID is right for you. NUPLAZID may help to reduce the frequency and/or the severity of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Individual results may vary

• In the clinical trial, the majority of patients who took NUPLAZID experienced fewer and/or less severe hallucinations and delusions when compared to placebo. And some patients did not experience any hallucinations or delusions at 6 weeks. Not everyone will respond to NUPLAZID. Individual results may vary

• NUPLAZID may begin to reduce hallucinations and delusions as soon as 4 weeks, but it may take up to 6 weeks to feel the full effect. You should speak with your healthcare provider before you stop taking NUPLAZID

See more about the trial.

• In the clinical trial, NUPLAZID had no effect on motor symptoms compared with a placebo at 6 weeks

• It is unclear how NUPLAZID actually works

• NUPLAZID is thought to work by blocking certain receptors associated with hallucinations and delusions

• NUPLAZID was approved by the FDA in 2016

• Do not take NUPLAZID if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in NUPLAZID. Allergic reactions have included rash, hives, swelling of the tongue, mouth, lips, or face, throat tightness, and shortness of breath. Speak with your doctor to find out if NUPLAZID is right for you

• NUPLAZID can be taken without adjusting carbidopa/levodopa medications. Some medicines should not be taken with NUPLAZID. Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you are taking.
  
  Learn more about taking NUPLAZID

• NUPLAZID may begin to reduce hallucinations and delusions as soon as 4 weeks, but it may take up to 6 weeks to feel the full effect. You should speak with your healthcare provider before you stop taking NUPLAZID

• Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take. Other medicines may affect how NUPLAZID works. Some medicines should not be taken with NUPLAZID. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take NUPLAZID with your other medicines. Do not start or stop any medicines while taking NUPLAZID without talking to your healthcare provider first

• QT Interval Prolongation: NUPLAZID may increase the risk of changes to your heart rhythm. This risk may increase if NUPLAZID is taken with certain other medications known to prolong the QT interval. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take or have recently taken

• Do not take NUPLAZID if you have certain heart conditions that change your heart rhythm. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about this possible side effect. Call your healthcare provider if you feel a change in your heartbeat

For additional safety information, see Safety page.

The common side effects of NUPLAZID include

• Swelling in the legs or arms
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Hallucination
• Constipation
• Changes to normal walking

These are not all the possible side effects of NUPLAZID. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about this medicine.

• There are options available that may help you cover the cost of NUPLAZID. Visit Acadia Connect to learn more