Xenazine
Generic name:tetrabenazine [ TET-ra-BEN-a-zeen ]
Drug class:VMAT2 inhibitors
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 2, 2021.
What is Xenazine?
Xenazine reduces the amount of certain chemicals in the body that are overly active in people with Huntington's disease.
Xenazine is used to treat Huntington's chorea (uncontrolled muscle movements).
Xenazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use Xenazine if you have severe or untreated depression, suicidal thoughts, liver disease, or if you have taken reserpine in the past 20 days.
You may have depression or thoughts about suicide while taking this medicine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
Do not use Xenazine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
Stop taking Xenazine and call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, confusion, trouble swallowing, problems with balance, uncontrolled muscle movements, extreme drowsiness, or if you feel restless, agitated, hyperactive (mentally or physically), depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Before taking Xenazine
You should not use Xenazine if you are allergic to tetrabenazine, or if you have:
severe or untreated depression;
suicidal thoughts;
liver disease; or
if you have taken reserpine in the past 20 days.
Do not use Xenazine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
To make sure Xenazine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
depression, an emotional disorder, or mental illness;
a history of suicidal thoughts or actions;
past or present breast cancer;
heart disease or heart rhythm disorder;
a personal or family history of long QT syndrome; or
if you recently had a heart attack.
Taking Xenazine may increase your risk of depression or thoughts about suicide. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
It is not known whether Xenazine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether tetrabenazine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I take Xenazine?
Take Xenazine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to m...
