Indication of Tetrabenazine:
Tetrabenazine is used for the treatment of diseases which cause jerky, irregular, uncontrollable movements, e.g. Hungtintons chorea, senile chorea and hemiballismus.The active ingredient in the drug is tetrabenazine. The inactive ingredients are lactose, starch, talc, magnesium stearate and iron oxide yellow.
Action of Tetrabenazine:
Tetrabenazine affects chemicals called amines in the brain, and helps to control jerky and irregular movements.
Dose Advice of Tetrabenazine:
Tetrabenazine is only available with prescription.Do not use it if: There is any known allergy to tetrabenazine or other ingredients in the drug.Medicine containing reserpine or levodopa (used in Parkinsons disease) is used The patient is being treated for Parkinsons disease.The patient is being treated for depression.The patient is taking central nervous system stimulants or depressants (including alcohol).The patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.The medicine may increase the effect of drugs for lowering high blood pressure and drugs for depression (monoamine oxidase inhibitors). Therefore caution is needed Tell the doctor if there is any kidney or liver disease.The dose varies from individual to individual. The usual starting dose is a tablet (of 25mg) twice a day. The dose may be increased to a total of 200mg (8 tablets) a day by the doctor, depending on the response, progress and evaluation of adverse effects.If a tablet is missed, leave out that dose completely and take the next dose at the normal time it is due. Do NOT take a double dose to make up the missed dose.Swallow the tablet with water or other non-alcoholic drinks.Driving and operation of machines are only recommended after competence to do so under treatment has been established
Schedule of Tetrabenazine:
S4
Common side effects of Tetrabenazine:
Sleepiness, drowsiness.Depression.Uncontrollable movements of the hands, arms, legs and head (similar to Parkinsons disease).Low blood pressure.Problem with digestion.
Uncommon side effects of Tetrabenazine:
Agitation.Confusion or irrational thoughts.Difficulty in swallowing.Choking attacks.Stiffness or tightness in the arms or legs.Tell the doctor if any of these occurs.Other side effects: Nausea, dryness of the mouth.Constipation, diarrhoea.Sleeplessness.Irregularities in period.Sweating.
Reference:
Consumer Medicine Information on Tetrabenazine. 1999. [Cited 2005 September 18th].Mims online - Prescribing information for Tetrabenazine [online]. 2003 [cited 2005 September 18th]. Available from: URL: http: //mims.hcn.net.au.ezproxy.library.uwa.edu.au/ifmx-nsapi/mims-data/?MIval=2MIMS_abbr_pi&product_code=559&product_name=Tetrabenazine Product Information on Tetrabenazine. 1999. [Cited 2005 September 18th].
Diseases treated by Tetrabenazine:
Huntingtons Disease (Huntingtons Chorea) Tardive Dyskinesia
