Clinical Overview
Tetrabenazine is a reversible, high-affinity inhibitor of vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2). By blocking VMAT2 in presynaptic nerve terminals, it inhibits the packaging and storage of monoamines (dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine), leading to depletion of monoamine stores and reducing hyperkinetic involuntary movements. Indicated for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease and refractory tardive dyskinesia.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Take orally with water, divided throughout the day, with or without food. Titrate slowly over several weeks. Discontinue by gradual tapering.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Sedation, somnolence, fatigue, insomnia, depression, akathisia, anxiety, nausea. Rare/Severe: Boxed warning: Increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients with Huntington's disease; neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and severe parkinsonism.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Black box warning: Increases the risk of depression and suicidality; closely monitor for emergence or worsening of depression, suicidality, or mood changes. Contraindicated in actively suicidal or untreated depressed patients, and severe hepatic impairment. Contraindicated with MAOIs (requires 14-day washout).
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a registered medical practitioner or qualified pharmacist before initiating, modifying, or substituting any medication regimen.