ISSUE 1366
Subscribers: Log in to read full article. Not a subscriber? Subscribe or purchase article. |
The FDA has approved Nuedexta (Avanir), a fixed-dose combination of the cough suppressant dextromethorphan hydrobromide and the antiarrhythmic quinidine sulfate, for oral treatment of pseudobulbar affect. The combination is the first treatment approved by the FDA for this indication. Studies to support the effectiveness of Nuedexta were performed in patients with underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis (MS); the drug has not been shown to be safe or effective in other types of emotional lability.
PSEUDOBULBAR AFFECT — Pseudobulbar affect, also known as pathological laughter and crying or emotional lability, is common in ALS and MS; it is characterized by involuntary, unexpected outbursts of inappropriate laughing or crying. It can also occur in various other neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injury, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Standard treatment has
... more1. N Olney and H Rosen. AVP-923, a combination of dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect and neuropathic pain. IDrugs 2010; 13:254.
3. Drugs for cardiac arrhythmias. Treat Guidel Med Lett 2007; 5:51.
7. Price according to AWP listings in Price Alert (May 15, 2011).

Would you like to read the rest of this article? Gain access below.
- Print version published and mailed biweekly (26 issues/year)
- Unlimited online access to current and past issues (1988 - present)
- Mobile App for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire
- FREE online per issue CME/CE
Article code: 1366b
Electronic, downloadable article - $45