What is dextromethorphan/quinidine (Nuedexta) FDA approved to treat?

Dextromethorphan/quinidine, marketed as Nuedexta, is specifically FDA approved for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect (PBA). PBA is characterized by uncontrollable episodes of crying or laughing that are often an emotional response to a stimulus that doesn’t warrant such an extreme reaction. This condition is generally associated with neurological disorders or brain injuries, such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The combination of dextromethorphan, which acts on the central nervous system to modulate emotional response, and quinidine, which enhances the efficacy of dextromethorphan by inhibiting its metabolism, works synergistically to manage symptoms of PBA effectively.

Other treatment options mentioned, such as major depressive disorder, chronic insomnia, and general anxiety disorder, do not include Nuedexta as a therapeutic option. Each of these disorders typically has its own distinct set of approved therapies and treatment strategies that differ from the targeted approach of Nuedexta in addressing the specific symptoms of pseudobulbar affect.