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Short answer Living with deutetrabenazine: what to watch for Common questions Related questions SourcesThe most common side effects of deutetrabenazine are drowsiness, tiredness, diarrhea, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping, and the most serious is new or worsening depression and suicidal thinking in people with Huntington disease.
Which effects you notice depends on your dose, how fast it was raised, and what else you take. Deutetrabenazine is a VMAT2 inhibitor used for tardive dyskinesia and for chorea in Huntington disease, and it can also cause restlessness or an urge to keep moving (akathisia), slowed or stiff movement that resembles parkinsonism, and lightheadedness when you stand up. Most side effects show up during the weeks when the dose is being titrated up and settle once you reach a steady dose. Taking each dose with food, keeping the schedule consistent, and standing up slowly cut down on nausea and dizziness. Anyone living with you should know to report mood changes, since depression can build quietly.
Living with deutetrabenazine: what to watch for
Common questions
What are the side effects of Deutetrabenazine?
The most common side effects of deutetrabenazine are drowsiness, tiredness, diarrhea, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, and cold-like symptoms. It can also cause restlessness or a constant urge to move (akathisia), slowed or stiff movement that looks like parkinsonism, and dizziness when you stand up. Deutetrabenazine carries a boxed warning for new or worsening depression and suicidal thoughts in people with Huntington disease, so tell your prescriber the same day if mood drops or hopeless thoughts start. Most effects appear while the dose is being raised and ease at a steady dose. Take each dose with food, and do not stop suddenly without medical advice.