Question 1

What is Deutetrabenazine?

Accepted Answer

Deutetrabenazine is a medication known as a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that control muscle movement.

This medication is primarily used to help manage involuntary muscle movements. By regulating these substances, the drug helps to reduce the frequency and severity of these movements.

Question 2

What is Deutetrabenazine used for?

Accepted Answer

Deutetrabenazine is used to treat:

Chorea associated with Huntington disease

Tardive dyskinesia

Question 3

How does Deutetrabenazine work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism of Action

Deutetrabenazine is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor. While the exact way it works to treat movement disorders is not fully understood, it is believed to function by regulating the levels of certain chemicals in the brain.

The medication targets neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which are responsible for sending signals between nerve cells. It works through the following actions:

Inhibiting VMAT2: The drug blocks a specific protein called VMAT2. This protein normally helps package and store dopamine and other chemicals within nerve cells so they can be released later.

Reducing Chemical Release: By blocking this storage process, the medication reduces the amount of these chemicals that can be released to send signals to other nerves.

Calming Involuntary Movements: Lowering the levels of dopamine at the nerve endings helps to decrease the overactive signaling that causes involuntary, jerky movements (chorea) in Huntington’s disease and the repetitive movements seen in tardive dyskinesia.

Deutetrabenazine contains deuterium, a form of hydrogen that slows down the rate at which the body breaks down the medication. This allows for more stable levels of the drug in the bloodstream.

Question 4

What are the brand names for Deutetrabenazine?

Accepted Answer

Deutetrabenazine is sold under the brand name Austedo .

Question 5

What are the active ingredients in Deutetrabenazine?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Deutetrabenazine is deutetrabenazine .

Question 6

What are the side effects of Deutetrabenazine?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Deutetrabenazine may include:

somnolence

diarrhea

dry mouth

and others

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 7

What drug class is Deutetrabenazine?

Accepted Answer

Deutetrabenazine belongs to the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor drug class.

Question 8

What is the dosage of Deutetrabenazine and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Take

Deutetrabenazine should be taken exactly as directed by a healthcare provider. The tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets before swallowing.

Timing and Food

This medication should be taken with food. It is usually prescribed to be taken once or twice a day. If you are taking it twice daily, try to space the doses evenly throughout the day.

Missed Doses

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.

If you stop taking this medication for several days, contact your healthcare provider before restarting, as your dose may need to be adjusted.

Question 9

Is Deutetrabenazine safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

There is currently no adequate research on the use of deutetrabenazine in pregnant women. In animal studies, high doses of the medication were associated with an increase in stillbirths and postnatal mortality, although no structural birth defects were reported. Because the effects on a human pregnancy are unknown, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before using this medication.

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether deutetrabenazine passes into human breast milk or how it might affect a nursing infant or milk production. Because of the risk of serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, the following precautions are typically advised:

Do not breastfeed while taking this medication.

Wait at least 14 days after the last dose of deutetrabenazine before starting or resuming breastfeeding.

Patients who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should consult their medical team to evaluate their treatment options and determine the safest course of action.

Question 10

What forms and strengths does Deutetrabenazine come in?

Accepted Answer

Deutetrabenazine is available for oral administration in the following formats:

Tablets: Standard oral tablets.

Extended-release tablets: Tablets designed to release the medication gradually after ingestion.

Question 11

What is the FDA approval status of Deutetrabenazine?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

Deutetrabenazine was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017. It is indicated for the treatment of chorea (involuntary movements) associated with Huntington’s disease and for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia in adults.

Boxed Warning

The FDA has required a boxed warning for deutetrabenazine due to the increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior (suicidality) in patients with Huntington’s disease. Healthcare providers must balance the risks of these serious side effects against the clinical need for chorea control. Patients, caregivers, and families should be alert to the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal ideation, or unusual changes in behavior.

Contraindications and Safety

The medication is contraindicated in patients who are suicidal or who have untreated or inadequately treated depression. It is also contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment and those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), reserpine, or tetrabenazine.

Regulatory Classification

Deutetrabenazine is available only by prescription.

It is not classified as a controlled substance.

There is currently no Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program required for this medication, though it must be dispensed with a Medication Guide.

Question 12

What should I know about Deutetrabenazine and withdrawal?

Accepted Answer

Stopping Treatment

If you need to stop taking deutetrabenazine, it is important to consult your doctor first. While this medication generally does not require a gradual dose reduction (tapering) to avoid physical withdrawal symptoms, stopping the drug can affect the condition it was treating.

Recurrence of Symptoms

The main concern when discontinuing deutetrabenazine is the return of the symptoms that the medication was managing. This may include:

Chorea: In patients with Huntington's disease, the involuntary, jerky movements may reappear or worsen after the medication is stopped.

Tardive Dyskinesia: For those treated for tardive dyskinesia, the involuntary facial or body movements may return.

Your healthcare provider will monitor your condition closely after you stop taking the medication to manage any returning symptoms and determine the next steps for your treatment plan.

Deutetrabenazine

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Brand Names

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Withdrawal Information

FAQ

Found an Error?