Where is Deutetrabenazine used?

Deutetrabenazine is used for the treatment of:

• Chorea associated with Huntington’s disease

Chorea is a movement syndrome categorized by involuntary muscle shriveling.

Huntington’s disease is a deadly genetic illness that causes an advanced breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It worsens a person’s mental and physical movements usually while their prime working years and has no cure.

• Tardive dyskinesia in adults

Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect of antipsychotic medications. It causes stiff, jerky movements of your face and body that you cannot control.

Deutetrabenazine is a vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT2) inhibitor. This medicine is available for oral administration. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medication.

How does Deutetrabenazine work?

Deutetrabenazine inhibits the vesicles that transmit dopamine to the part between two nerve cells where it is unconstrained. This kind of vesicle is known as a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2).

This drug reduces the total of dopamine released from nerve cells and dialing back the stimulation of adjacent nerve cells. This prevents the overstimulation of muscles that reasons to chorea.

How is Deutetrabenazine taken?

The recommended dosage for this is based on your response and medical condition.

This is usually taken once or twice a day. You may take it with food or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets as a whole do not break or chew them. Take it at the same time each day. To get the most benefit of it, take it regularly. Do not double the prescribed dosage.

If you stop taking this medicine for more than 1 week, do not take another dosage until you talk to your doctor. You may need to restart your treatment at a lower dosage. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

What are the possible side effects of Deutetrabenazine?

• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Urinary tract infection
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Constipation
• Bruising

What are the precautions in taking Deutetrabenazine?

• Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have medical history especially of breast cancer or liver problems.
• Avoid driving or performing any activity that needs your alertness. This drug may make you feel drowsy or dizzy.
• This medication contains inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions. Let your doctor know if you have any allergies.
• Before the treatment, inform your doctor if you have any current medications including vitamins, food supplements, or herbal products.
• This medication is only prescribed for pregnant women when needed. Call your doctor right away if you get pregnant while taking this medicine.
• You should know that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medicine. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Stay alert to changes in your feelings, mood, behaviors, or thoughts. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
• Inform your doctor if you ever had long qt syndrome or another type of irregular heartbeat or heart rhythm problem.
• It is also important to tell your doctor if you have low blood levels of magnesium or potassium in your breast or blood cancer.