Nuedexta (dextromethorphan/quinidine) is a brand-name drug prescribed for pseudobulbar affect (PBA) in adults. Nuedexta comes as an oral capsule that’s typically taken twice per day.

Nuedexta is a combination drug with two active ingredients. Dextromethorphan belongs to a drug class called N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists (also known as morphinans). Quinidine belongs to a class of drugs called antiarrhythmics. Nuedexta isn’t available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Nuedexta, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Nuedexta, see this article.

Note: This article describes the typical dosage for Nuedexta provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Nuedexta, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about Nuedexta’s recommended dosage.

Nuedexta form

Nuedexta comes as an oral capsule.

Nuedexta strength

Nuedexta comes in one strength of 20 milligrams (mg) per 10 mg. Each 20-mg/10-mg capsule contains 20 mg dextromethorphan and 10 mg quinidine.

Typical dosage

Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing you a low dosage. Then, they’ll increase it over time to reach the recommended dosage. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed. 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 pseudobulbar affect

Doctors may prescribe Nuedexta to treat pseudobulbar affect (PBA). This condition causes sudden involuntary episodes of crying or laughing.

If your doctor prescribes Nuedexta for your PBA, your starting dose will likely be 20 mg/10 mg (one capsule). Typically, you’ll take this once per day. After 7 days, your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage to 20 mg/10 mg twice per day (one capsule every 12 hours). This is the typically recommended dosage of Nuedexta for people with PBA.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Long-term treatment

Nuedexta is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Nuedexta is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Before you start taking Nuedexta, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

Nuedexta comes as a capsule you swallow whole, with or without food.

It may be helpful to take Nuedexta around the same time of day. If your doctor prescribes two capsules per day, be sure you have about 12 hours between doses. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Nuedexta can work effectively.

If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have questions about how to take Nuedexta, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some 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 Nuedexta in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss a dose of Nuedexta, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then, take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. You should also not take more than two Nuedexta capsules in a 24-hour period. Be sure you have about 12 hours between doses.

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.

Do not take more Nuedexta than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Effects of an overdose

Overdose effects of Nuedexta can include:

If you take more than the recommended amount of Nuedexta

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Nuedexta. 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.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Nuedexta.

Is the dosage of Nuedexta similar to the dosage of Prozac?

No, the dosage for Nuedexta differs from the dosage of Prozac (fluoxetine). These drugs have different active ingredients. So, the dosage in milligrams (mg) and how frequently you take them varies between the two. Nuedexta is taken twice per day (every 12 hours), while Prozac is taken once per day. Both medications come as an oral capsule.

Nuedexta is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pseudobulbar affect (PBA). Prozac isn’t approved for this use but is sometimes prescribed for PBA off label.* Prozac is approved to treat several types of depression and certain other conditions. Prozac dosages may vary, depending on the condition the drug is prescribed to treat.

Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you. To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* With off-label use, a drug is prescribed for a purpose other than it’s approved use.

How long does it take for Nuedexta to start working?

Nuedexta starts to work after your first dose. Your body absorbs the drug within hours of taking a dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. But your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition. (Nuedexta is prescribed treat PBA.)

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Nuedexta treatment.

Is there a typical dosage range for Nuedexta?

Yes, the typically recommended dosage range for Nuedexta is one to two capsules per day. Each capsule contains 20 mg of dextromethorphan and 10 mg of quinidine.

To introduce the drug to your body, doctors usually prescribe a low dosage at the beginning of treatment. After 1 week, they typically increase it. If your doctor prescribes two capsules per day, you’ll take them 12 hours apart.

For more information about Nuedexta dosages, see the “Nuedexta dosage” section above. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The dosage in this article is the typical dosage provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Nuedexta for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Nuedexta without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Nuedexta that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Nuedexta. These additional articles might be helpful:

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.