Uses of Tetrabenazine

Tetrabenazine is used to treat diseases that cause hyperkinetic motor disorders (such as jerky, irregular, uncontrollable movements) associated with Huntington's chorea (an inherited neurodegenerative disease) in affected individuals.        

Therapeutic Category

Tetrabenazine: Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitors

How Tetrabenazine works

Tetrabenazine works by inhibiting the absorption of certain chemicals (dopamine, serotonin) in brain which results in improved movements thus treating hyperkinetic motor disorders associated with Huntington's chorea in affected individuals.

Common side effects of Tetrabenazine

• Drowsiness (with higher dosages)
• Parkinson-like symptoms (such as uncontrollable movements of the head, legs, hands, arms)
• Confusion, anxiety
• Sleeplessness
• Low blood pressure
• Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• Sweating

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• Feeling sad/depressed
• Suicidal thoughts
• Have/plan to hurt yourself intentionally

Health Tips for Tetrabenazine

• Take Tetrabenazine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not adjust the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain proper hydration
• Maintain a healthy diet and engage in regular physical activity
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it may interact with this medicine
• Tetrabenazine should be used with caution in pregnant women
• Tetrabenazine is not recommended for use in breast feeding women