From the FDA Drug Label
AUSTEDO XR and AUSTEDO are vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors indicated in adults for the treatment of: Chorea associated with Huntington’s disease (1) Tardive dyskinesia (1)
The FDA-approved use of deutetrabenazine is for the treatment of:
- Chorea associated with Huntington’s disease
- Tardive dyskinesia 1
From the Research
Deutetrabenazine is FDA-approved for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease and for tardive dyskinesia in adults. The medication works by inhibiting vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), which reduces the amount of dopamine released in the brain, helping to control involuntary movements 2.
Key Points
- For Huntington's chorea, the typical starting dose is 6 mg once daily, gradually titrated to an effective dose, usually 6-48 mg per day divided into twice-daily dosing 3.
- For tardive dyskinesia, treatment typically begins at 6 mg twice daily and may be increased weekly to a maximum of 24 mg twice daily based on response and tolerability 4.
- Deutetrabenazine should be taken with food as this increases its bioavailability.
- Common side effects include sedation, diarrhea, dry mouth, and fatigue 5.
- The medication carries a boxed warning for depression and suicidality in patients with Huntington's disease 6.
Important Considerations
- It should not be used in patients with hepatic impairment, those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or those with untreated depression or suicidal thoughts.
- Deutetrabenazine has a favorable safety profile and is well tolerated across indications 4.
- Long-term extension studies in both HD-associated chorea and TD show consistent efficacy and safety 3.