From the Research
You should taper off Ingrezza (valbenazine) under medical supervision rather than stopping it abruptly. When discontinuing Ingrezza, your healthcare provider will typically create a gradual tapering schedule to reduce the dose over time. The specific tapering schedule will depend on your current dose, how long you've been taking the medication, and your individual medical situation. Abruptly stopping Ingrezza may potentially lead to withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of the condition being treated, such as tardive dyskinesia. The tapering process allows your body to adjust to decreasing levels of the medication and helps minimize any potential adverse effects from discontinuation. According to a study published in 2019 1, valbenazine was generally well tolerated, and no new safety concerns were detected, which supports the idea of tapering off the medication under medical supervision. Always consult with your prescribing physician before making any changes to your Ingrezza regimen, as they can provide personalized guidance based on your specific health needs and monitor you throughout the tapering process.
Some key points to consider when tapering off Ingrezza include:
- The dose and duration of the tapering schedule will depend on individual factors, such as the current dose and duration of treatment 1
- The goal of tapering is to minimize potential adverse effects and allow the body to adjust to decreasing levels of the medication
- Close monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential to ensure a safe and effective tapering process
- Studies have shown that valbenazine can be effective in treating tardive dyskinesia, but the medication should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider 2, 3, 4
It's essential to prioritize your health and safety when discontinuing any medication, and tapering off Ingrezza under medical supervision is the recommended approach.