Nuplazid dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes Nuplazid’s dosage and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Nuplazid. If you want to know more about Nuplazid, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Nuplazid is a brand-name medication that comes as capsules and tablets that you swallow. It isn’t available in a generic version. This article describes dosages of Nuplazid.

Boxed warning: Increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis

Nuplazid has a boxed warning for the increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

See the end of this article for more information about this warning.

Forms and strengths of Nuplazid

Nuplazid comes in these forms and strengths: 

Dosage of Nuplazid

This article describes the recommended dosage for Nuplazid. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Nuplazid without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosage of Nuplazid in adults

Nuplazid is prescribed for treating delusions and hallucinations related to psychosis associated with Parkinson’s disease.

The recommended dosage of Nuplazid is:

• Dose: 34 mg
• Frequency: once per day

This is both the starting dose and maximum dose of Nuplazid.

Dosage adjustments for Nuplazid

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Nuplazid based on several factors. These factors include other medications you take, and whether they interact with Nuplazid.

Missed dose of Nuplazid

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Nuplazid. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of Nuplazid and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

• downloading a reminder app on your phone
• setting an alarm
• putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Nuplazid and its dosage.

How does the dosage of Nuplazid compare with the dosage of Seroquel?

Nuplazid and Seroquel aren’t approved to treat the same conditions. So they don’t have approved dosages to compare.

Nuplazid is approved to treat delusions and hallucinations related to psychosis associated with Parkinson’s disease. Seroquel is approved to treat schizophrenia, as well as bipolar disorder.

Both Nuplazid and Seroquel may be used off-label for other conditions. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about potential off-label uses for Nuplazid or Seroquel and possible dosages for off-label use.

Is Nuplazid taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe Nuplazid as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it as long as necessary to treat your symptoms.

If you have questions about how long you should take Nuplazid, talk with your doctor.

How Nuplazid is taken

You’ll swallow Nuplazid capsules or tablets once per day. You may take your dose with or without food.

You can open Nuplazid capsules and sprinkle the contents on applesauce, yogurt, pudding, or a liquid nutritional supplement (such as a protein shake). You should consume this mixture immediately without chewing. If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules or tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Nuplazid coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Nuplazid when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

Overdose of Nuplazid

It’s important that you do not take more Nuplazid than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of Nuplazid overdose

Studies did not provide specific symptoms of overdose of Nuplazid. However, the manufacturer warns of the risk of heart arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythm) in overdose. A heart arrhythmia can feel like:

• your heart has skipped a beat
• a fluttering sensation in your chest or neck

What to do if you take too much Nuplazid

If you think you’ve taken too much Nuplazid, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosage for Nuplazid. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of Nuplazid without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Nuplazid exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Based on other medications I take, would you prescribe a lower dosage of Nuplazid?
• Does my risk for irregular heart rhythm depend on the Nuplazid dosage I’m prescribed?
• If my Nuplazid dosage works for my symptoms, but also causes side effects, what are my options? Can you prescribe a lower dosage even if it’s off-label?

Boxed warning for Nuplazid

Nuplazid has a boxed warning for the increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Nuplazid is not approved to treat psychosis related to dementia and should not be taken for this purpose. Nuplazid is only approved to treat delusions and hallucinations related to psychosis associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Large studies have shown that antipsychotic drugs increase the risk of death in older adults (ages 65 years and older) when used to treat dementia-related psychosis. (Nuplazid is an antipsychotic drug). Because of this risk, doctors typically won’t prescribe Nuplazid or other antipsychotic drugs to treat dementia-related psychosis in older adults.

It’s important to note that Nuplazid may be used to treat delusions and hallucinations related to psychosis associated with Parkinson’s disease in someone who also has dementia. The doctor must determine that the psychosis is related to Parkinson’s disease, rather than dementia.

For details, talk with your doctor to learn more.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.