From the FDA Drug Label
Each capsule contains 73 mg, 109 mg or 146 mg of valbenazine tosylate equivalent to 40 mg, 60 mg or 80 mg of valbenazine free base, respectively. The recommended dose of Ingrezza is not explicitly stated in the provided text, but the available dosage strengths are:
- 40 mg
- 60 mg
- 80 mg 1
From the Research
Ingrezza (valbenazine) is typically started at 40 mg once daily for the first week, then increased to the recommended maintenance dose of 80 mg once daily. This medication is primarily used to treat tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements that can develop after long-term use of certain psychiatric medications. Ingrezza works by selectively inhibiting vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), which helps regulate dopamine levels in the brain and reduces abnormal movements 2.
Some key points to consider when prescribing Ingrezza include:
- The dose may need to be adjusted for patients with hepatic impairment or those taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers 2
- Common side effects include somnolence, anticholinergic effects, balance disorders, and occasionally QT prolongation 2
- Ingrezza should be taken with or without food at approximately the same time each day 2
- The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale response of ⩾50% reduction in score was robust for VBZ 80 mg/day in short-term and long-term studies 3
It's also important to note that valbenazine and deutetrabenazine have been shown to be effective in decreasing Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale scores and are well tolerated in randomized controlled trials 2. However, head-to-head studies are warranted to decipher if either agent is preferable in terms of efficacy or tolerability 2.
Overall, the recommended dose of Ingrezza is 40 mg once daily for the first week, then increased to 80 mg once daily, with adjustments as needed to minimize side effects and optimize symptom control 2, 3.