Herbal Spotlight
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 Taking tetrabenazine
Dear Patient,
Your health care provider has prescribed tetrabenazine to control involuntary movements associated with Huntington's disease. The brand name for this drug is Xenazine.
How to take tetrabenazine
Take this drug at the same time each day as directed by your health care provider. Depending on your response, you may take the drug once in the morning or twice each day.
What to do if you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, just skip the missed dose. Don't make up doses.
What to do about side effects
Notify your health care provider if you experience side effects to this medication.
Common: sleepiness, insomnia, depression, anxiety, fatigue, falling, nausea, upper respiratory infection.
Less common: difficulty balancing or walking, slow movements, dizziness, irritability, bruising, headache, low blood pressure, vomiting, painful urination, decreased appetite, difficulty breathing, bronchitis.
What you must know about other medications
and alcohol
Many medications can cause serious problems if you combine them with tetrabenazine, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors, drugs that treat abnormal heart rhythms, certain antidepressants and antibiotics, and reserpine (Serpalan). You may also experience increased mental status changes if you drink alcohol while taking this drug. Tell any health care provider who takes care of you that you're taking this drug.
Special directions
- Don't drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this drug.
Keep in mind
- This drug is associated with a risk of suicidal thoughts. Be alert for these thoughts. Call your health care provider if you have any such thoughts or experience increased depression or anxiety.
- It's unknown if this drug affects an unborn baby. You should use contraceptive measures while you're taking this drug. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, consult with your health care provider.
- It's unknown how this drug affects a breast-fed baby. If you're breast-feeding, another method of feeding the baby should be used because of the potential for adverse effects on the baby.
- Notify your health care provider if you develop suicidal thoughts, mood or behavioral changes, agitation, restlessness, or insomnia.
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