Xenazine

Hemiballismus, Huntington Disease, Tourette Syndrome + 2 more

Treatment

9 FDA approvals

5 Active Studies for Xenazine

What is Xenazine

Tetrabenazine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Tetrabenazine 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.

Xenazine

is 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 senile chorea and Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) .

senile chorea

Helps manage senile chorea

Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)

Helps manage Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)

Huntington's Disease (HD)

Helps manage Huntington's Disease (HD)

Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome

Helps manage Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome

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 Patients

Taking 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 body

Tetrabenazine 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

Huntington Disease

, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg

, Tablet, coated, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral

Hemiballismus

, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg

, Tablet, coated, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral

Tourette Syndrome

, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg

, Tablet, coated, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral

Tardive Dyskinesia

, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg

, Tablet, coated, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral

Huntington Disease

, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg

, Tablet, coated, Oral, 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 Risk

The 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.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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?

5

Patient 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.

5

Patient 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.

5

Patient 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.

4.7

Patient 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.

4.3

Patient 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.

4.3

Patient Review

3/30/2013

Xenazine for Irregular Involuntary Spasms of Limbs or Facial Muscles with Huntington's Disease

I was already on Zyprexa when this became available, and I decided to stay on it while adding Xenezine. It's been helpful overall, though not perfectly consistent. No negative side effects that I've noticed.

4.3

Patient Review

5/8/2013

Xenazine for Irregular Involuntary Spasms of Limbs or Facial Muscles with Huntington's Disease

I am experiencing an abnormal amount of sweating in my head and neck region.

3.3

Patient Review

10/17/2009

Xenazine for Irregular Involuntary Spasms of Limbs or Facial Muscles with Huntington's Disease

At first, this treatment worked really well for me. I'm a 69-year-old man with severe movements and was already taking Zyprexa, which helped some. But adding Xenazine to my regimen was great at first—really reduced the number of movements I was making. However, now I'm feeling very tired all the time and have no energy. So we've cut back my dose by one pill as of yesterday, and I have a doctor's appointment in three weeks to follow up.

3.3

Patient Review

5/7/2012

Xenazine for Irregular Involuntary Spasms of Limbs or Facial Muscles with Huntington's Disease

My wife has been taking this medication for three years to help with her Huntington's disease. At first, it was effective in reducing the involuntary movements associated with the condition. However, the cost of the drug ($8,000 per month) is exorbitant and not worth it in my opinion. The doctor does not seem to have any alternatives. In Canada, the same drug costs less than $400?

2.7

Patient Review

12/22/2008

Xenazine for Irregular Involuntary Spasms of Limbs or Facial Muscles with Huntington's Disease

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

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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