Medication 10: Pimavanserin: Managing Parkinson’s Disease Psychosis
Pimavanserin (Nuplazid) is a medication specifically designed to address Parkinson’s disease psychosis, a condition that can affect some patients as the disease progresses. Parkinson’s disease psychosis is characterized by hallucinations and delusions, which can be distressing for both patients and caregivers.
Pimavanserin is a selective serotonin inverse agonist that works by targeting serotonin receptors in the brain, helping to restore the balance of neurotransmitters and alleviate psychotic symptoms. Unlike other antipsychotic medications, pimavanserin does not worsen motor symptoms in Parkinson’s patients, making it a more suitable option for this population.
The most common side effects of pimavanserin include swelling in the legs and feet, nausea, and confusion. As with all Parkinson’s medications, healthcare providers will closely monitor patients taking pimavanserin and adjust treatment plans as needed to ensure optimal symptom relief and patient safety. (10)
