Side Effects of tetrabenazine: A Synthesis of Findings from 25 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Tetrabenazine is a drug that depletes dopamine and other monoamines in the central nervous system. 8 . It has been found to be effective in treating various hyperkinetic movement disorders, such as Huntington's disease, Tourette's syndrome, and tardive dyskinesia, without the extrapyramidal side effects that are common with antipsychotics. 8 , 19 , 6 , 5 , 10 , 3 .

Reason for Side Effects

The side effects of tetrabenazine are related to its mechanism of action, which involves depleting dopamine and other monoamines in the brain. 8 . Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in various brain functions, including movement, mood, and cognition. Therefore, dopamine depletion can lead to various side effects.

Common Side Effects

Drowsiness

Drowsiness is one of the most common side effects of tetrabenazine. 19 , 6 . It can occur due to the drug's effect on dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain.

Parkinsonism

Tetrabenazine can cause Parkinsonism, characterized by tremors, muscle stiffness, and slow movements. 8 , 19 , 6 . This side effect is likely due to the depletion of dopamine, which is essential for smooth and coordinated movement.

Depression

Depression is another possible side effect of tetrabenazine. 19 . Dopamine is involved in mood regulation, and its depletion may contribute to depressive symptoms.

Insomnia

Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, can also be caused by tetrabenazine. 19 , 6 . Dopamine plays a role in regulating sleep-wake cycles, and its reduction might disrupt these cycles.

Anxiety

Anxiety can occur as a side effect of tetrabenazine. 19 , 6 . Dopamine is involved in managing anxiety and fear, and its depletion might lead to increased anxiety levels.

Akathisia

Akathisia, a state of restlessness and inability to sit still, is another potential side effect of tetrabenazine. 19 . Dopamine plays a role in controlling movement, and its depletion might contribute to akathisia.

Other Side Effects

In addition to the common side effects listed above, tetrabenazine may also cause other side effects. 19 , 6 . The specific side effects vary greatly from person to person and do not occur in everyone. If you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms, consult your doctor.

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Drowsiness

If drowsiness occurs, your doctor may adjust the time of day you take tetrabenazine or reduce the dosage. 19 .

Parkinsonism

In case of Parkinsonism, your doctor might prescribe Parkinson's disease medication in combination with tetrabenazine. 8 .

Depression

If depression arises, your doctor may recommend antidepressants in combination with tetrabenazine. 19 .

Insomnia

For insomnia, your doctor might prescribe sleeping pills in combination with tetrabenazine. 19 .

Anxiety

If anxiety occurs, your doctor might prescribe anxiolytics in combination with tetrabenazine. 19 .

Akathisia

For akathisia, your doctor might prescribe antipsychotics in combination with tetrabenazine. 19 .

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities in Studies

Multiple studies have shown that tetrabenazine is effective in treating various movement disorders. 8 , 19 , 6 , 5 , 10 , 3 . Several studies have also reported that tetrabenazine can cause side effects such as drowsiness, Parkinsonism, depression, insomnia, anxiety, and akathisia. 19 , 6 .

Differences in Studies

The effectiveness and incidence of side effects of tetrabenazine vary from study to study. 19 , 6 . This variability may be attributed to differences in the specific movement disorder being treated, as well as differences in the age, gender, and overall health of the study participants.

Precautions for Real-Life Applications

While tetrabenazine can be effective in treating various movement disorders, it's crucial to consider the potential side effects. 8 , 19 , 6 , 5 , 10 , 3 . Notably, driving or operating machinery should be avoided if drowsiness or impaired judgment occur due to the drug. Additionally, tetrabenazine can interact with other medications, so it's essential to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking before starting treatment with tetrabenazine.

Limitations of Current Research

The current research on the effectiveness and safety of tetrabenazine is not entirely conclusive. 8 , 19 , 6 , 5 , 10 , 3 . Specifically, long-term safety data is limited. Moreover, while tetrabenazine has shown effectiveness in various movement disorders, more research is needed to determine its efficacy for specific conditions.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on investigating the long-term safety of tetrabenazine and its specific efficacy for different movement disorders. 8 , 19 , 6 , 5 , 10 , 3 . Additional research is also needed to find ways to mitigate the side effects of tetrabenazine and explore its use in combination with other therapies.

Conclusion

Tetrabenazine is a promising drug for the treatment of various movement disorders, but it's important to be aware of the potential side effects, including drowsiness, Parkinsonism, depression, and others. 8 , 19 , 6 , 5 , 10 , 3 . Before starting treatment with tetrabenazine, consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits, and ensure you receive appropriate care and monitoring.

Literature analysis of 25 papers
Positive Content
19
Neutral Content
2
Negative Content
4
Article Type
3
0
1
8
24
1.

Single Dose and Repeat Once-Daily Dose Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of Valbenazine in Healthy Male Subjects.

Author: LuoRosa, BozigianHaig, JimenezRoland, LoewenGordon, O'BrienChristopher F

Tardive dyskinesia treatment
Dose-dependent effects
Safety profile
Valbenazine

Valbenazine is a medication used to treat tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder. This study investigated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of valbenazine in healthy male subjects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

3.

Tetrabenazine as anti-chorea therapy in Huntington disease: an open-label continuation study. Huntington Study Group/TETRA-HD Investigators.

Author: FrankSamuel

HD chorea treatment

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

4.

Canadian guidelines for the evidence-based treatment of tic disorders: pharmacotherapy.

Author: PringsheimTamara, DojaAsif, GormanDaniel, McKinlayDuncan, DayLundy, BillinghurstLori, CarrollAlan, DionYves, LuscombeSandra, SteevesThomas, SandorPaul

Tic suppression
Side effects

This article provides guidance for clinicians on the pharmacological management of tic disorders in children and adults. It presents a systematic review of the literature on tic disorder treatment and offers recommendations for the use of various medications based on their efficacy and side effects. The authors emphasize the need to weigh the benefits and risks of pharmacotherapy for tic disorders.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

5.

Tetrabenazine in the treatment of Huntington's chorea.

Author: HuangC Y, McLeodJ G, HollandR T, ElliotC

Chorea control
Tetrabenazine efficacy
Dysphagia
Postural hypotension

Tetrabenazine effectively controlled choreic movement in Huntington's chorea. Side effects included postural hypotension, dysphagia, and pneumonia.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

6.

Treatment of hyperkinetic movement disorders with tetrabenazine: a double-blind crossover study.

Author: JankovicJ

Movement disorder treatment
Anxiety
Drooling
Drowsiness
Hypotension
Insomnia
Parkinsonian features
Restlessness

Tetrabenazine was found to be a useful and safe therapeutic agent for some patients with hyperkinetic movement disorders. In a double-blind crossover trial, tetrabenazine showed improvement in patients with tardive dyskinesia, Meige disease, and other dystonias. The most frequent side effects were daytime drowsiness, drooling, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, parkinsonian features, and mild postural hypotension.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

7.

Pathophysiology and management of Akathisia 70 years after the introduction of the chlorpromazine, the first antipsychotic.

Author: ZareifopoulosN, KatsarakiM, StratosP, VilliotouV, SkaltsaM, DimitriouA, KarveliM, EfthimiouP, LagadinouM, VelissarisD

Akathisia

Akathisia, a distressing side effect of psychiatric drugs characterized by restlessness and an inability to sit still, is commonly associated with antipsychotic drugs that block dopamine D2 receptors. However, akathisia has also been reported with other drugs like SSRIs, SNRIs, stimulants, and mirtazapine.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

8.

Tetrabenazine.

Author: FasanoAlfonso, BentivoglioAnna Rita

Hyperkinetic movement treatment
TBZ efficacy

Tetrabenazine is effective and safe for treating hyperkinetic movement disorders, including chorea, tics, and tardive dyskinesias. It is more effective than neuroleptics and lacks extrapyramidal side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

9.

A case of secondary dystonia responding to levodopa.

Author: BernardGeneviève, VanasseMichel, ChouinardSylvain

Dystonia improvement
Levodopa side effects

This case report describes a patient with dystonia secondary to bilateral lesions of the basal ganglia who responded dramatically to levodopa treatment. While levodopa is rarely used for this condition, this case suggests that it may be a viable option in some pediatric patients with secondary dystonias.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

13.

Clinical pharmacology of nondopaminergic drugs in Tourette syndrome.

Author: HartmannAndreas

Treat GTS
Treat tics

This review explores non-dopaminergic treatments for tics and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS). It discusses the potential benefits of various medications, including alpha2 receptor agonists, nicotine, tetrabenazine, GABA agonists, botulinum toxin, cannabinoids, and immune modulators, as well as the need for further research in these areas.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

14.

The MAO-B inhibitor deprenyl reduces the oral tremor and the dopamine depletion induced by the VMAT-2 inhibitor tetrabenazine.

Author: PodurgielSamantha J, YohnSamantha E, DortcheKristina, CorreaMerce, SalamoneJohn D

Chorea treatment
Parkinsonism model
Parkinsonian side effects
Tremulous jaw movements

Tetrabenazine (TBZ), used for Huntington's disease-related chorea, can cause Parkinsonian motor side effects. This study investigates the ability of deprenyl, an antiparkinsonian agent, to attenuate TBZ-induced tremulous jaw movements (TJMs) in rats. Deprenyl successfully reduced TJMs and increased dopamine levels in the striatum.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

15.

Pathogenesis and treatment of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Author: EbadiM, PfeifferR F, MurrinL C

Extrapyramidal symptoms
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Parkinsonian reactions
Tardive dyskinesia

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a serious and potentially fatal complication of neuroleptic chemotherapy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

17.

[Therapeutic use of tetrabenazine].

Author: López Del ValL J, López-GarcíaE, Martínez-MartínezL, Santos-LasaosaS

Hyperkinetic syndrome treatment

Tetrabenazine is a benzoquinolizine that acts equally on the three main neurotransmitters (dopamine, noradrenalin and serotonin), depleting their levels in the brain. This makes it effective for treating different types of hyperkinetic syndromes.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : Spanish

18.

The long-term effect of tetrabenazine in the management of Huntington disease.

Author: FasanoAlfonso, CadedduFederica, GuidubaldiArianna, PianoCarla, SoletiFrancesco, ZinziPaola, BentivoglioAnna Rita

Improved motor symptoms
Side effects

Tetrabenazine provided long-term improvement in motor symptoms in Huntington disease patients, with a slight reduction in benefit over time. The drug was generally well tolerated, with side effects occurring in 34% of patients.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

19.

Long-term effects of tetrabenazine in hyperkinetic movement disorders.

Author: JankovicJ, BeachJ

Movement disorder treatment
Side effects

This study found that tetrabenazine (TBZ) was effective and safe for treating a variety of hyperkinetic movement disorders, with marked improvement in over 80% of patients. The most common side effects, including drowsiness and parkinsonism, were manageable with dose reduction.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

21.

Physician perceptions of pharmacologic treatment options for chorea associated with Huntington disease in the United States.

Author: SungVictor W, IyerRavi G, GandhiSanjay K, Shah-ManekBijal, DiBonaventuraMarco, AblerVictor, ClaassenDaniel O

Chorea improvement
Anxiety
Depression
Sedation
Somnolence

Neurologists reported tolerability issues with tetrabenazine for chorea in Huntington disease patients, impacting its effectiveness in clinical practice.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

22.

Cardiovascular Profile of Valbenazine: Analysis of Pooled Data from Three Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials.

Author: Thai-CuartoDao, O'BrienChristopher F, JimenezRoland, LiangGrace S, BurkeJoshua

Tardive Dyskinesia Treatment

Valbenazine, a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor, does not appear to have any significant impact on cardiovascular outcomes. In pooled data from three placebo-controlled trials and a 42-week extension study, valbenazine did not differ from placebo in cardiovascular-related adverse events, vital sign measurements, or electrocardiogram parameters.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

23.

Impact of Deuterium Substitution on the Pharmacokinetics of Pharmaceuticals.

Author: RussakEdward M, BednarczykEdward M

Huntington's Disease Treatment
Tardive Dyskinesia Treatment

Deuterium-labeled drugs, such as deutetrabenazine, offer potential advantages over their non-deuterated counterparts by affecting pharmacokinetic and metabolic profiles. This is leading to the development of deuterated drugs for various diseases.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

24.

The role of dopamine and glutamate modulation in Huntington disease.

Author: MittalSumeer K, EddyClare

Behavioral symptoms
Cognitive symptoms
Motor symptoms

Huntington disease (HD) is an inherited neuropsychiatric condition with progressive neurodegenerative changes, mainly affecting the striatum. This article discusses the pathophysiological processes within the striatum that likely lead to alterations in dopamine and glutamate activity in frontostriatal circuitry, resulting in characteristic motor, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

25.

Valbenazine granted breakthrough drug status for treating tardive dyskinesia.

Author: MüllerThomas

Tardive dyskinesia improvement
Depression
Fluctuating response
Frequent intake
Parkinsonism

Valbenazine, a tetrabenazine analog, is a new treatment option for tardive dyskinesia. It showed a distinctive improvement in tardive dyskinesia symptoms during valbenazine administration.

EditorialAn article in which the editor or publisher expresses their opinion or perspective on a particular topic or issue. Its purpose is to convey a specific message or idea to the reader.

Language : English

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