Nuedexta (dextromethorphan/quinidine) is a brand-name oral capsule that’s prescribed for pseudobulbar affect (PBA) in adults. As with other drugs, Nuedexta can cause side effects, such as diarrhea and dizziness.

Nuedexta can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Nuedexta in clinical trials:

  • diarrhea
  • cough
  • peripheral edema (swelling in your hands, feet, or lower legs)
  • lack of energy
  • dizziness*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Nuedexta. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Nuedexta’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Nuedexta include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Nuedexta and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Nuedexta. However, it’s not clear how often this side effect occurred in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Nuedexta may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Nuedexta’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Nuedexta, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Nuedexta. However, it’s not clear how often this side effect occurred in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Nuedexta may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

How do side effects of Nuedexta compare with those seen with Prozac?

Nuedexta and Prozac are both prescribed in the treatment of PBA. They work differently but do have some common side effects.

Some side effects of both Nedexta and Prozac may include:

Side effects that only occur with Nuedexta may include:

  • cough
  • peripheral edema (swelling in your hands, feet, or lower legs)
  • vomiting
  • UTI

Side effect that only occur with Prozac may include:

Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about side effects you may experience with Nuedexta. They can help determine whether Nuedexta is the best treatment option for you.

Is Nuedexta safe for older adults?

Yes, Nuedexta is safe for older adults (ages 65 years and over). Older adults respond differently to medications and may be at higher risk of side effects. Because of this risk, doctors will typically start by prescribing a lower dosage of Nuedexta to older adults.

One common side effect of Nuedexta is dizziness. Falls are often a concern for older adults. Feeling dizzy can lead to an increased risk of falls in some people. Extra precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of falling, especially in people who have difficulty walking or have a history of falls. Your doctor can suggest additional ways to help prevent falls while taking Nuedexta.

Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about experiencing dizziness or falls during treatment with Nuedexta. They can help determine whether the drug is the best treatment option for you.

Can Nuedexta cause weight gain?

No, weight gain was not reported in clinical trials of Nuedexta.

A possible side effect of Neudexta is peripheral edema (swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs). This may make it seem as though you have gained weight.

If you have any sudden weight gain or concerns about gaining weight while taking Nuedexta, talk with your doctor.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Nuedexta may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Nuedexta.

Dizziness

Dizziness is a common side effect of Nuedexta in clinical trials. Feeling dizzy can increase your risk of falls. You may be at a higher risk of falls if you have mobility issues or take another medication that causes dizziness. This risk is also increased if you drink alcohol while taking the medications. Dizziness may feel as though you are lightheaded or disoriented.

What you can do

Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about your risks of feeling dizzy or falling while taking Nuedexta. They can help you decide whether this medication is the best option for you. They may also recommend ways to help prevent falls while you’re taking Nuedexta.

Heart rhythm changes

Nuedexta can cause long QT syndrome, which may increase your risk of heart rhythm changes. This was a rare side effect of Nuedexta in clinical trials. Long QT syndrome is when your heart muscle takes longer than is typical to contract and relax. This is typically measured by a test called an electrocardiogram (EKG). If you already have a heart problem, Nuedexta may worsen your condition.

Symptoms of abnormal heart rhythm can include:

  • weakness
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • increased heart rate
  • sudden fainting
  • chest pain or pressure
  • difficulty breathing

What you can do

Talk with your doctor about any history of heart problems you may have before taking Nuedexta. Certain medications can also increase your risk of long QT syndrome. It’s important to tell your doctor what other medications you are taking. They may monitor your heart before and during treatment if you are at risk of developing an abnormal heart rhythm.

If you have any symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm, call your doctor right away. This condition can cause complications if it’s not treated right away.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Nuedexta can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Nuedexta. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Nuedexta. This drug may not be the right treatment option for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Heart problems: You should not take Nuedexta if you have heart failure or abnormal heart rhythms. It could worsen your condition and may lead to serious side effects. If you have a history of heart problems, talk with your doctor. They can help determine whether Nuedexta is safe for you.

History of falls: Nuedexta may cause dizziness, which can increase your risk of falls. Talk with your doctor before taking Nuedexta if you have a history of falls. They may recommend ways to help reduce your risk of falling during treatment with Nuedexta.

Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Nuedexta or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Nuedexta. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding: It’s not known whether taking Nuedexta is safe if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding your child. If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking Nuedexta. They can help determine whether Nuedexta is safe for you.

Alcohol consumption: Both alcohol and Nuedexta can affect your central nervous system. Drinking alcohol while taking Nuedexta can increase the effects of alcohol in your body. You may experience symptoms such as sleepiness, reduced coordination (which may increase the risk of falling), and blurry vision.

Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about drinking alcohol during treatment with Nuedexta. They may recommend you limit how much alcohol you drink while taking this drug.

As with most medications, Nuedexta can cause side effects. Many are mild and tend to go away on their own within a few days to weeks. In rare cases, the medication can cause some serious side effects that may require treatment. Talk with your doctor if any side effects last, are bothersome, or are serious.

If you’d like to learn more about Nuedexta, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

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.