What is Deutetrabenazine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Deutetrabenazine is a prescription medication that helps control unwanted movements in people with certain neurological conditions. It works by gently reducing the activity of specific brain chemicals that can cause involuntary muscle movements, offering hope and improved quality of life for those dealing with movement disorders.

What is Deutetrabenazine?

Deutetrabenazine belongs to a class of medications called VMAT2 inhibitors. Think of it as a gentle brake system for your brain's movement control center. The medication helps regulate dopamine, a brain chemical that plays a key role in controlling muscle movements.

This medication is specifically designed to be longer-lasting and cause fewer side effects than older similar medications. It's taken by mouth as tablets and requires careful monitoring by your healthcare provider to find the right dose for your specific needs.

What is Deutetrabenazine Used For?

Deutetrabenazine is primarily prescribed for two main conditions that cause involuntary movements. Your doctor may recommend this medication if you're dealing with chorea associated with Huntington's disease or tardive dyskinesia.

Huntington's disease chorea involves jerky, unpredictable movements that can affect your arms, legs, face, and trunk. These movements often become more noticeable when you're stressed or trying to concentrate. Deutetrabenazine can help reduce the severity of these movements, making daily activities more manageable.

Tardive dyskinesia typically develops after long-term use of certain psychiatric medications. This condition causes repetitive, involuntary movements, often affecting the face, tongue, and jaw. You might notice lip smacking, tongue protrusion, or facial grimacing that you can't control.

How Does Deutetrabenazine Work?

Deutetrabenazine works by blocking a protein called VMAT2 in your brain. This protein is responsible for packaging dopamine into storage areas within nerve cells. By reducing dopamine activity in specific brain regions, the medication helps calm overactive movement signals.

This is considered a moderate-strength medication that requires gradual dose adjustments. Your doctor will start you on a low dose and slowly increase it over several weeks. This careful approach helps your body adjust and minimizes potential side effects.

The medication doesn't cure the underlying condition but provides significant symptom relief. Many people notice improvements in their movement control within a few weeks of starting treatment, though the full benefits may take several months to develop.

How Should I Take Deutetrabenazine?

Take deutetrabenazine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, typically twice daily with food. Taking it with meals helps your body absorb the medication better and reduces the chance of stomach upset. You can take it with any type of food, but consistency in timing helps maintain steady levels in your system.

Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Don't crush, chew, or break the tablets, as this can affect how the medication is released in your body. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk to your pharmacist about alternative options.

Your doctor will start you on a low dose and gradually increase it every week or two. This slow increase helps your body adjust and allows your healthcare team to monitor for any side effects. Never adjust your dose on your own, even if you feel the medication isn't working as well as expected.

How Long Should I Take Deutetrabenazine For?

Deutetrabenazine is typically a long-term treatment that you may need to take for months or years. The duration depends on your specific condition and how well you respond to the medication. Your doctor will regularly evaluate whether the benefits continue to outweigh any potential risks.

For Huntington's disease, you may need to take this medication for many years as the condition progresses. Your doctor will adjust your dose over time based on your symptoms and overall health status. Regular check-ups help ensure the medication remains effective and safe for you.

If you have tardive dyskinesia, your treatment timeline may vary. Some people see improvement in their symptoms over time and may be able to reduce their dose or stop the medication under careful medical supervision. Never stop taking deutetrabenazine suddenly, as this can cause your symptoms to return or worsen.

What Are the Side Effects of Deutetrabenazine?

Like all medications, deutetrabenazine can cause side effects, though many people tolerate it well. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and know when to contact your healthcare provider.

The most common side effects are generally mild and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication:

• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Diarrhea or nausea
• Dry mouth
• Trouble sleeping
• Anxiety or restlessness

These everyday side effects usually become less bothersome after a few weeks of treatment. Staying hydrated, eating regular meals, and maintaining good sleep habits can help minimize these effects.

Some people may experience more concerning side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include symptoms of depression, thoughts of self-harm, severe drowsiness that interferes with daily activities, or new movement problems like muscle stiffness or tremors.

Rarely, deutetrabenazine can cause a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. This involves high fever, muscle rigidity, confusion, and changes in heart rate or blood pressure. While uncommon, this requires emergency medical care if it occurs.

Who Should Not Take Deutetrabenazine?

Certain people should avoid deutetrabenazine due to increased risks of serious complications. Your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing this medication to ensure it's safe for you.

You should not take deutetrabenazine if you have severe liver problems, as your body may not be able to process the medication properly. People with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts need special consideration, as the medication can worsen these conditions in some individuals.

If you're taking certain medications, deutetrabenazine might not be suitable for you. This includes MAO inhibitors, some antidepressants, and medications that can cause irregular heart rhythms. Your pharmacist and doctor will review all your current medications to check for potential interactions.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss the risks and benefits carefully with their healthcare provider. While the medication hasn't been extensively studied in pregnancy, your doctor may recommend it if the benefits outweigh the potential risks to you and your baby.

Deutetrabenazine Brand Names

Deutetrabenazine is available under the brand name Austedo in the United States. This is the most commonly prescribed form of the medication and comes in several tablet strengths to allow for precise dosing.

Some countries may have different brand names or generic versions available. Always check with your pharmacist to ensure you're receiving the correct medication, especially if you travel or move to a different location.

Deutetrabenazine Alternatives

If deutetrabenazine isn't suitable for you, several alternative treatments may help manage your movement disorder symptoms. Your doctor will consider your specific condition, medical history, and treatment goals when exploring other options.

For Huntington's disease chorea, tetrabenazine is an older medication that works similarly but may cause more side effects. Some people also benefit from antipsychotic medications like haloperidol or risperidone, though these carry their own risks and benefits.

Tardive dyskinesia can also be treated with valbenazine, another VMAT2 inhibitor similar to deutetrabenazine. Some people find success with vitamin E supplements or switching to different psychiatric medications that are less likely to cause movement problems.

Non-medication approaches like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can complement any medication treatment. These therapies help you develop strategies to manage symptoms and maintain your independence in daily activities.

Is Deutetrabenazine Better Than Tetrabenazine?

Deutetrabenazine offers several advantages over tetrabenazine, though both medications work in similar ways. The main difference lies in how often you need to take them and their side effect profiles.

Deutetrabenazine typically requires only twice-daily dosing, while tetrabenazine often needs to be taken three times daily. This simpler schedule can make it easier to remember your medication and maintain consistent levels in your system throughout the day.

Many people experience fewer side effects with deutetrabenazine, particularly less severe drowsiness and depression. The medication is also less likely to cause significant drops in blood pressure when you stand up quickly. However, individual responses vary, and some people may still do better on tetrabenazine.

Your doctor will consider your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history when choosing between these medications. The "better" option depends entirely on how well each medication works for your unique situation and which side effects you can tolerate most comfortably.