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EspañolTetrabenazine overview
BRAND NAMES:
Xenazine, Xenazine
Generic Names:
Tetrabenazine
Uses:
Treats chorea (a movement disorder) that is caused by Huntington disease.
Therapeutic Classes:
Central Nervous System Agent
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Tetrabenazine used for?
Xenazine comes in tablet form and is used to treat the symptoms Huntington's chorea, such as uncontrolled muscle movements. Xenazine works by reducing the amount of certain chemicals in the body that are overly active in people with Huntington's chorea.
What form(s) does Tetrabenazine come in
Tablet
What are common Tetrabenazine doses?
Tablet 12.5MG
Tablet 25MG
Common Tetrabenazine prescriptions
Tetrabenazine
12.5mg tabletTetrabenazine
25mg tablet
How to take Tetrabenazine
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you stop taking this medicine for more than 5 days, do not take another dose until you talk to your doctor.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you stop taking this medicine for more than 5 days, do not take another dose until you talk to your doctor.
Tetrabenazine contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to tetrabenazine, or if you have liver disease, untreated depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Tetrabenazine warnings
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Trouble sitting still, feeling restless, nervous, or irritable
Unusual changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others
Worsening of depression, trouble sleeping, racing thoughts
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, heart rhythm problems (such as QT prolongation) a slow heartbeat, or had a recent heart attack.
This medicine may cause new or worsening depression or changes in mood or behavior. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or suicidal thoughts.
This medicine may cause the following problems:Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a nerve disorder that could be life-threatening)Changes in heart rhythm, such as QT prolongationTardive dyskinesia (a muscle disorder that could become permanent)
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Tetrabenazine interactions
Do not use this medicine and an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within 14 days of each other.
Do not use this medicine if you are also using reserpine. Wait at least 20 days after stopping reserpine before starting tetrabenazine.
Some foods and medicines can affect how tetrabenazine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Medicine for heart rhythm problems (including amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)Medicine to treat depression (including fluoxetine, paroxetine)Medicine to treat an infection (including moxifloxacin)Medicine to treat mental illness (including chlorpromazine, haloperidol, olanzapine, risperidone, thioridazine, ziprasidone)
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Tetrabenazine side effects
Serious Side Effects
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
Fever, sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, or muscle stiffness
Jerky muscle movement you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)
Trouble sitting still, feeling restless, nervous, or irritable
Unusual changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others
Problems with balance or walking, stiffness, shaking
Worsening of depression, trouble sleeping, racing thoughts
Trouble breathing, swallowing, or speaking
Less Serious Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting
Sleepiness, unusual drowsiness, or tiredness