Tetrabenazine tablets
Tetrabenazine tablets
What is this medicine?
TETRABENAZINE (TET ra BEN a zeen) is used to treat the involuntary movements of Huntington's disease, also known as Huntington's chorea.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacy with each new prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
difficulty swallowing
dizziness or fainting
fast or irregular heartbeat
low blood pressure
restless with urgent need to move
stiff muscles, fever, and sweating
suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
change in sex drive or performance
constipation
drowsiness
stomach upset
trouble sleeping
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
reserpine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol
fluoxetine
medicines for psychotic disturbances
medicines for sleep
paroxetine
quinidine
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
brain tumor
breast cancer
difficulty swallowing
head injury
heart disease
if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
kidney or liver disease
low blood pressure or dizziness when standing up
Parkinson's disease
suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
an unusual or allergic reaction to tetrabenazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine.
Patients and their families should watch out for worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. If this happens, especially at the beginning treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.
You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018