PBA

blacksparky

My DW’s psychiatrist seems to think she has PBA (Pseudobulbar affect). Is anyone familiar with this diagnosis? There is a medication available to help with this but Medicare doesn’t cover the drug so it is out of pocket and expensive ($1600.00)

Marchbanks

My husband has this, it manifests as loud uncontrollable laughter but can also be crying. It has nothing to do with whether something is funny or sad. We tried Neudexta the medication you are referring to but it didn’t do anything. He currently is on 75mg of Quetiapine, generic Seroquel, it has helped tone it down. It definitely has not stopped but it’s somewhat more manageable.

The cost for Neudexta is a complete ripoff. It’s a combination of dextramathorphan (used in cough medicine) and quinidine two older drugs that cost pennies. Ask your Dr for samples and give it a try, it works for some. You can also contact the manufacturer, they have patient assistance programs to help with cost if you qualify.

Good luck, PBA is no picnic.