What is Nuedexta: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Nuedexta overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Nuedexta

Generic Names:

  • Nuedexta

Uses:

  • Treats emotional incontinence or uncontrollable crying or laughing.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Central Nervous System Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Nuedexta used for?

What form(s) does Nuedexta come in

  • Capsule

What are common Nuedexta doses?

  • Capsule 20-10MG

Common Nuedexta prescriptions

  • Nuedexta
    20-10mg capsule

How to take Nuedexta

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Nuedexta

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Nuedexta contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to dextromethorphan or quinidine, or if you are using this medicine together with other products containing quinidine, quinine (Qualaquin®), or mefloquine (Lariam®). Do not use this medicine if you have a history of bone marrow problems, hepatitis, lupus-like syndrome, or thrombocytopenia (low platelets in the blood) caused by quinidine, quinine, or mefloquine. You should not use this medicine if you have a heart block without a pacemaker, heart failure, or heart rhythm problems (such as congenital long QT syndrome, prolonged QT interval, or a history of torsade de pointes). Do not use this medicine if you are also using medications such as pimozide (Orap®) or thioridazine (Mellaril®), or an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days.

Nuedexta warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have liver or kidney problems, heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, low potassium or magnesium in the blood, myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness), or a history of stroke. Tell your doctor if you have been addicted to drugs or alcohol.

  • Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms while taking this medicine: black, tarry stools; bleeding gums; blood in the urine or stools; chills; fever; lightheadedness; nausea or vomiting; pinpoint red spots on the skin; or unusual bleeding or bruising.

  • This medicine can cause changes in heart rhythms, such as a condition called QT prolongation. It may change the way your heart beats and cause fainting or serious side effects in some patients. Contact your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of heart rhythm problems, such as fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeats.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • Make sure your doctor knows about all the other medicines you are using. This medicine may cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome when it is taken with certain medicines.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in your neck, armpit, or groin

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

Nuedexta interactions

  • Because of the potential for drug interactions with this medication, it is very important to tell your doctor about anything (over-the-counter or prescription) that you are using.

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Make sure your doctor knows about all the other medicines you are using. This medicine may cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome when it is taken with certain medicines.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Nuedexta side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.

  • Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in your neck, armpit, or groin

  • Rapid weight gain.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Agitation, confusion, poor coordination, restlessness, or trembling or shaking.

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful or difficult urination.

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.

  • Shortness of breath, tiredness, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Weakness.

  • Diarrhea, gas, nausea, or vomiting.

  • Dizziness.