If you have pseudobulbar affect (PBA) your doctor might suggest Nuedexta as a treatment option. It’s a prescription drug used to reduce the number of PBA episodes in adults.
Nuedexta comes as a capsule you swallow. It contains the active ingredients dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate. (Active ingredients are what make a drug work.) Dextromethorphan belongs to a group of drugs called morphinans. Quinidine belongs to a group of drugs called antiarrhythmics.
This article describes the dosage of Nuedexta, as well as its strength and how to take it. To learn more about Nuedexta, see this in-depth article.
Note: This article covers Nuedexta’s usual dosage, which is provided by the drugmaker. But when taking Nuedexta, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
This section describes the usual dosage of Nuedexta.
Note: This table highlights the basics of Nuedexta’s dosage. Be sure to read on for more detail.
| Day of treatment | Dose | Frequency |
| 1 through 7 | one capsule | one time per day |
| 8 through end of treatment | one capsule | two times per day (12 hours apart) |
What is Nuedexta’s form?
Nuedexta comes as a capsule that you swallow.
What strength in milligrams (mg) does Nuedexta come in?
Nuedexta comes in a single strength. Each capsule contains 20 mg dextromethorphan hydrobromide and 10 mg quinidine sulfate.
What are the usual dosages of Nuedexta?
Your doctor will likely prescribe a low dosage of Nuedexta for your first 7 days of treatment. Then they’ll likely increase this to a maintenance dosage, which is the dosage you’ll take long term.
The information below describes the dosage range that’s commonly taken or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
For the first 7 days of treatment, you’ll take one capsule by mouth once per day. Starting on day 8 and every day after that, you’ll take one capsule twice per day (12 hours apart).
Is Nuedexta used long term?
Yes, Nuedexta is usually prescribed 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 long term. Or you’ll take it until you no longer have pseudobulbar affect episodes.
Nuedexta comes as a capsule that you swallow whole. You should not split, crush, or chew the capsules. You can take them with or without food.
It’s best to take Nuedexta at the same time each day. You can choose the time of day that works best for you. Starting on day 8, you’ll take two capsules per day and should take them 12 hours apart (morning and evening).
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Nuedexta, see this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print or use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Nuedexta in an easy-open container. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.
If you miss a dose of Nuedexta, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Do not take more than one Nuedexta capsule in 12 hours. And do not take more than one dose at a time, as this could increase your risk of side effects.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Nuedexta on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
It’s not known whether there’s a risk of misuse with Nuedexta because it hasn’t been studied. Misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. But dextromethorphan, one of the active ingredients in Nuedexta, is sometimes misused in adolescents. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Your doctor may monitor you closely if you have a history of drug misuse. Talk with them if you want more information about the risk of misuse with Nuedexta.
Do not take more Nuedexta than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- abnormal heart rhythm
- quinidine poisoning, which could cause:
- headache
- abnormal heart rhythm
- double vision
- hearing loss or ringing in your ears
- stomach problems, such as pain, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
What to do in case you take too much Nuedexta
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Nuedexta. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
People in studies of Nuedexta didn’t report withdrawal symptoms when stopping the drug, so it’s unlikely you’ll have any. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.
Dextromethorphan, one of the drugs in Nuedexta, is sometimes misused. And when it is, it can cause withdrawal symptoms in some people.
The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends Nuedexta for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Nuedexta without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Nuedexta exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:
- Can my Nuedexta dosage be adjusted if I have side effects?
- Do I need a different Nuedexta dosage if I take other medications?
- Can I take a higher dosage of Nuedexta if my current dosage is not working for me?
To learn more about Nuedexta, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline 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.
