Drug Name:Tetrabenazine
Drug Class:Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor
Mechanism of Action:
  • Inhibits the uptake of monoamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin) into synaptic vesicles, leading to a decrease in their release
  • Reduces the amount of dopamine available for release in the striatum, which helps to control involuntary movements
Use:
  • Treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease
  • Treatment of tardive dyskinesia
Side Effects:
  • Depression
  • Somnolence
  • Parkinsonism
  • Akathisia
  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Suicidal ideation
Contraindications:
  • Concomitant use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Concomitant use with reserpine
  • History of depression or suicidal ideation
  • Hypersensitivity to tetrabenazine or any component of the formulation
Specialty:
  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry