# Tetrabenazine (Tetrabenazine)

Source: https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs/tetrabenazine
Data: FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA, refreshed periodically

## What is Tetrabenazine?

Tetrabenazine is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor. It is prescribed to treat huntington disease, hyperkinesis. Across the United States, 845 doctors prescribe Tetrabenazine to approximately 127 Medicare patients.

## Brand names

Tetrabenazine

## Indications

Tetrabenazine is prescribed for the treatment of huntington disease and hyperkinesis.

## Conditions treated

- [Huntington Disease](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/huntington-disease)
- [Hyperkinesis](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/hyperkinesis)

## Mechanism of action

The precise mechanism by which tetrabenazine exerts its anti-chorea effects is unknown but is believed to be related to its effect as a reversible depletor of monoamines (such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and histamine) from nerve terminals. Tetrabenazine reversibly inhibits the human vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) (K i ≈ 100 nM), resulting in decreased uptake of monoami

## Drug classification

- Established Pharmacologic Class: Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2 Inhibitor [EPC]
- Mechanism of Action class: Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2 Inhibitors [MoA]
- Route of administration: ORAL

## Common side effects

akathisia, anxiety/anxiety aggravated, depression, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, sedation/somnolence

## Sources and disclaimers

- FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA dataset
- This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

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