PDP is characterized by hallucinations and delusions that can significantly impact a patient's wellbeing.
Nuplazid (pimavanserin) was approved by the FDA for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with PDP in 2016. Currently Nuplazid remains expensive at over $5,000/month and is frequently not covered. Clozapine is also used to control symptoms of PDP but carries a risk of agranulocytosis and requires monitoring of blood counts. Quetiapine is also used for PDP and has a favorable side effect profile for Parkinson’s patients including low sedation and less impact on cognition. The following study shows that there is limited evidence in the literature on the effectiveness of the 3 drugs mentioned in controlling PDP symptoms. Thus, quetipine is often used due to fewer side effects and short half life that makes dosing more flexible.
