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Tetrabenazine

Pronounced

"TE-tra-BEN-a-zeen"

Common brand names:

Nitoman

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 This Medication

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 as directed by your doctor, usually once a day in the morning when you first start treatment. 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.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

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.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2025.