Xenazine

Hemiballismus, Huntington Disease, Tourette Syndrome + 2 more
Treatment
9 FDA approvals
4 Active Studies for Xenazine

What is Xenazine

TetrabenazineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryTetrabenazine is a drug used to reduce excessive movement in people with hyperkinetic disorders. It works by lowering the levels of dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. It is used primarily to treat chorea associated with Huntington's disease and was approved by the FDA in 2008.
Xenazineis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Xenazine Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Xenazine
Tetrabenazine
2008
30

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Tetrabenazine, also known as Xenazine, is approved by the FDA for 9 uses including Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome and senile chorea .
Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome
Helps manage Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome
senile chorea
Helps manage senile chorea
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
Helps manage Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
Huntington's Disease (HD)
Helps manage Huntington's Disease (HD)
Tourette Syndrome
Helps manage Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome
Hemiballismus
Helps manage Hemiballismus
Huntington Disease
Helps manage Huntington's Disease (HD)
Huntington Disease
Helps manage senile chorea
Tardive Dyskinesia
Helps manage Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)

Effectiveness

How Xenazine Affects PatientsTaking tetrabenazine can lead to an abnormally long QTc interval, which is a measure of electrical activity in the heart. In rats, this drug has been shown to bind to tissues with melanin, such as the eyes and skin. Even after taking a single dose, radioactivity linked to tetrabenazine can still be detected in these areas up to three weeks later.
How Xenazine works in the bodyTetrabenazine reduces movement by blocking the uptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine into the brain. This means that these neurotransmitters cannot be stored in the brain, reducing the amount available for motor movement. Tetrabenazine also has a small effect on the dopamine D2 receptor, further contributing to its ability to reduce movement.

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Xenazine is contingent upon the diagnosed disorder, including Hemiballismus, Huntington Disease and Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome. The amount further changes in line with the technique of delivery (e.g. Tablet - Oral or Tablet, coated) featured in the table beneath.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hemiballismus
, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Tourette Syndrome
, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Tardive Dyskinesia
, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Huntington Disease
, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Huntington Disease
, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral

Warnings

Xenazine Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
untreated depression
Do Not Combine
Suicide
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Liver Disease
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Xenazine.
Common Xenazine Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Amitriptyline
Major
The metabolism of Amitriptyline can be decreased when combined with Tetrabenazine.
Artemether
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Tetrabenazine is combined with Artemether.
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Tetrabenazine.
Clomipramine
Major
The metabolism of Clomipramine can be decreased when combined with Tetrabenazine.
Clonidine
Major
The metabolism of Clonidine can be decreased when combined with Tetrabenazine.
Xenazine Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe highest safe dose of the drug is limited by side effects such as drowsiness, Parkinson's-like symptoms, restlessness, and depression. The lowest toxic dose of the drug in mice has been found to be 550mg/kg.
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Xenazine Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Xenazine?

Currently, 5 active studies are underway to determine the potential of Xenazine to ameliorate Hemiballismus, senile chorea and Huntington Disease.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Tardive Dyskinesia
0 Actively Recruiting
Hemiballismus
0 Actively Recruiting
Tourette Syndrome
0 Actively Recruiting
Huntington Disease
5 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3
Huntington Disease
0 Actively Recruiting

Xenazine Reviews: What are patients saying about Xenazine?

5Patient Review
2/16/2010
Xenazine for Irregular Involuntary Spasms of Limbs or Facial Muscles with Huntington's Disease
At first, this treatment really seemed to help my wife. But after a year, she rapidly got worse again when the dosage was raised. We've slowly lowered the dosage but haven't seen any improvement. Her appointment next week will probably result in us discontinuing the medication altogether.
5Patient Review
10/25/2011
Xenazine for Irregular Involuntary Spasms of Limbs or Facial Muscles with Huntington's Disease
A maintenance dose of 50mg per day really helps.
5Patient Review
2/6/2013
Xenazine for Irregular Involuntary Spasms of Limbs or Facial Muscles with Huntington's Disease
For Tourette Syndrome, this medication has been a life-saver. I've been taking it for seven years now and my tics have improved tremendously. I was on the drug before it was FDA approved.
4.7Patient Review
10/30/2012
Xenazine for Irregular Involuntary Spasms of Limbs or Facial Muscles with Huntington's Disease
This drug has helped me a lot. Almost all of my involuntary movements have stopped since I started taking it about a year ago.
4.3Patient Review
5/31/2009
Xenazine for Irregular Involuntary Spasms of Limbs or Facial Muscles with Huntington's Disease
I have been administering this to my wife who has Huntingtons for 7 weeks. I have not seen any improvement yet; however, I have noticed more depression using it. We have a Doctors app. 1/5/09. Maybe he can help.
View All Reviews
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Patient Q&A Section about xenazine

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What drug class is Xenazine?

"Tetrabenazine is a drug that decreases the level of monoamines in the brain."

Answered by AI

Is there a generic for Xenazine?

"On Aug. 17, 2015, the Food and Drug Administration approved Sun Pharma's AB-rated generic version of Valeant's Xenazine (tetrabenazine) tablets. Sun Pharma immediately launched its generic tetrabenazine tablets."

Answered by AI

Who manufactures Xenazine?

"Xenazine is a medication produced by Valeant International Bermuda or its affiliates. It is used to treat Huntington's disease."

Answered by AI

What is Xenazine used for?

"Xenazine works by reducing the amount of certain chemicals in the body that are overactive in people with Huntington's disease."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Xenazine

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