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Tetrabenazine Oral Uses and How to Use


IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Table of Contents

Generic Name: TETRABENAZINE - ORAL
Pronounced: (TE-tra-BEN-a-zeen)

Tetrabenazine Oral Uses

Tetrabenazine is used to decrease the uncontrollable movements (chorea) caused by Huntington's disease. However, it is not a cure for the disease. Reducing the chorea will help you take part in more of your normal daily activities. This medication is thought to work by decreasing the amount of certain natural substances in the brain (monoamines such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine), which are involved with nerve and muscle function. Tetrabenazine belongs to a class of drugs called monoamine depletors.

How To Use Tetrabenazine Oral

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using tetrabenazine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once a day in the morning when you first start treatment or as directed by your doctor. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose to 2 or 3 times a day over several weeks. A slow increase in your dose will help your doctor find the best dose for you while keeping side effects as low as possible.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may perform a blood test to see how your body handles this medication and to help determine the right dose for you. Do not take more of this medication than prescribed because doing so may increase your risk of side effects.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

If you stop taking this drug for several days, then start taking it again, you may need to slowly increase your dose until you reach the regular dose you had been taking. Follow your doctor's directions on how to restart treatment.

Tell your doctor if your uncontrolled movements do not improve or if they worsen.


CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised October 2011 Copyright(c) 2011 First DataBank, Inc.