Austedo (deutetrabenazine) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat tardive dyskinesia and chorea related to Huntington’s disease. The drug comes as an oral tablet called Austedo and an extended-release oral tablet called Austedo XR.

Austedo and Austedo XR* are used in adults to treat:

To learn more about Austedo’s uses, see the “What is Austedo used for?” section below.

* Austedo XR is an extended-release (ER) oral tablet. With ER medications, the drug is slowly released into your body over time.

Austedo basics

Austedo contains the active ingredient deutetrabenazine. It belongs to a group of drugs called vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors. It’s not available as a generic drug.

Austedo is a brand-name medication. A generic version of the drug isn’t currently available.

Austedo has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Austedo side effects?” section below.

Austedo and Austedo XR are used to treat the following conditions in adults:

  • Tardive dyskinesia (TD): TD causes involuntary movements that are repetitive, most commonly in the face. It’s related to taking certain medications that affect chemicals in the brain.
  • Chorea that’s related to Huntington’s disease: Huntington’s disease is a condition that causes your brain’s nerve cells to break down over time. This can lead to chorea, a movement disorder that causes unpredictable, involuntary body movements.

Why TD or chorea related to Huntington’s disease affects certain people isn’t fully known. And it’s not exactly understood how Austedo works to treat these movement disorders.

It’s thought that Austedo helps restore certain chemical balances in the body. This may decrease involuntary movements and other symptoms caused by these conditions.

Like most drugs, Austedo and Austedo XR may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Austedo may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

  • your age
  • other health conditions you have
  • other medications you take

Read this article on Austedo’s side effects to learn more. Your doctor or pharmacist can also give you details about the potential side effects of Austedo. And they can suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Below are some of the mild side effects that Austedo can cause. These side effects can vary depending on the condition Austedo is used to treat. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Austedo’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Austedo that have been reported in people with tardive dyskinesia include:

Mild side effects of Austedo that have been reported in people with chorea related to Huntington’s disease include:

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Austedo can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Austedo, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Austedo that have been reported include:

* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.
† While NMS was not reported in studies of Austedo, it has occurred in people taking medications similar to Austedo. For more information about NMS, see the “Side effect focus” section below.

Side effect focus

Learn more about some of the side effects Austedo may cause. To learn more about side effects of Austedo, see this article.

Boxed warning

Austedo has a boxed warning. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug’s boxed warning is described below.

Risk of depression and suicidal thoughts or actions in certain people: People with Huntington’s disease have an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts or actions. For people with this condition, taking Austedo may worsen these feelings or increase the risk of them occurring. (Austedo is prescribed to treat chorea, a movement disorder caused by Huntington’s disease.)

What might help

Before you begin taking Austedo, your doctor may talk with you about your mental health, especially if you have Huntington’s disease. Be sure to tell your doctor about any mental health issues you have. This will help them determine whether this drug is safe for you to take.

If your doctor decides to prescribe Austedo to you, they’ll closely monitor you for changes to your mental health. It’s also helpful to let certain friends or family members know about your treatment if you’re comfortable doing so. They can alert you if they notice changes in your mood or thinking.

If you feel depressed or have suicidal thoughts while taking Austedo, contact your doctor right away. If these feelings don’t go away, your doctor will likely have you stop taking Austedo.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

In rare cases, Austedo can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of the drug. But NMS has occurred in people taking medications very similar to Austedo. So it’s thought that Austedo might also cause NMS.

NMS is a rare but life threatening side effect caused by certain medications, such as antipsychotic drugs. It’s believed to happen as a result of such drugs blocking dopamine receptors.

NMS can occur within hours to days after taking a drug. It can take between 2 to 14 days to recover from this side effect.

Symptoms of NMS can include:

What might help

NMS is a life threatening condition that requires urgent treatment in a hospital. If you think you’re having symptoms of NMS, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room. Do not take another dose of Austedo.

It’s possible for you to have NMS more than once. So if you develop NMS from taking Austedo, your doctor may have you permanently stop treatment with this drug.

Parkinsonism

Treatment with Austedo may cause parkinsonism. Though not reported in studies of the drug, parkinsonism has occurred in rare cases since Austedo came on the market. This side effect is more likely to occur in the first 2 weeks after starting Austedo treatment or after a dose increase.

Parkinsonism has symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s disease. But while the cause of Parkinson’s isn’t known, parkinsonism may result from taking certain medications, including Austedo. Symptoms of parkinsonism can include:

Note that parkinsonism can also be a symptom of Huntington’s disease. Austedo is prescribed to treat chorea, a movement disorder caused by Huntington’s. In some cases, it may be hard to tell whether these symptoms are caused by Huntington’s or by Austedo.

What might help

If you develop symptoms of parkinsonism while taking Austedo, contact your doctor. They may lower your Austedo dose or have you stop taking Austedo to help reduce your symptoms. They may also discuss other treatment options for your condition that could be safer for you.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Austedo can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear how often this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep taking Austedo.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Austedo, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Austedo or Austedo XR that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Form and strengths

Austedo comes as oral tablets that are available in three strengths:

  • 6 milligrams (mg)
  • 9 mg
  • 12 mg

Austedo XR comes as extended-release (ER)* oral tablets that are available in seven strengths:

  • 6 mg
  • 12 mg
  • 24 mg
  • 30 mg
  • 36 mg
  • 42 mg
  • 48 mg

* With ER medications, the drug is slowly released into your body over time.

Recommended dosages

If your doctor prescribes Austedo, you’ll usually take it twice per day. You should take your dose of the drug with food.

If your doctor prescribes Austedo XR, you’ll take it once per day. You can take your dose of the drug with or without food.

For more details, read our full article on Austedo’s dosages. There you’ll find specific dosages for tardive dyskinesia and chorea related to Huntington’s disease, the maximum dose your doctor may prescribe, and more.

Questions about Austedo’s dosage

Below are answers to a few questions you might have about the dosage for Austedo.

  • What if I miss a dose of Austedo? If you miss a dose of Austedo, try to take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not take two doses of Austedo at once, as this can raise your risk of side effects.
  • Will I need to use Austedo long term? If you and your doctor agree that Austedo is working for you, you’ll likely take the drug long term.
  • How long does Austedo take to work? Austedo begins working as soon as you take a dose. But it may take a few weeks before you notice your symptoms easing. In studies, some people had their symptoms decrease within 2 weeks of starting Austedo treatment. But keep in mind that how well a drug works can vary from person to person.

Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. The drug’s annual cost and monthly cost may vary as well.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Austedo manufacturer’s website to see if it has support options.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Austedo, Austedo XR, and Ingrezza are used to treat tardive dyskinesia and chorea related to Huntington’s disease.

These drugs work similarly, but they contain different active ingredients. Austedo’s active ingredient is deutetrabenazine, and Ingrezza’s is valbenazine.

To find out more about these drugs, check out the “Austedo vs. Ingrezza” section in this article. You can also talk with your doctor for information about these and other treatment options for your condition.

Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Austedo and Austedo XR.

How does Austedo work?

Austedo’s mechanism of action (how it works) isn’t fully understood.

Austedo and Austedo XR are used to treat the following conditions in adults:

It’s thought that Austedo helps restore certain chemical balances in the body. This may decrease involuntary movements and other symptoms caused by these conditions.

If you’d like to learn more about how Austedo may work, talk with your pharmacist or doctor.

Will I have withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking Austedo?

It’s not likely. Withdrawal symptoms weren’t reported in studies of Austedo or Austedo XR.

But if you stop taking Austedo, symptoms of the condition you were treating may come back. For example, involuntary muscle movements may start again or happen more often.

Do not stop taking Austedo without first talking with your doctor. They can tell you what symptoms may occur if you stop taking it. They may also suggest other treatment options for your condition.

Does Austedo treat Parkinson’s disease?

No, Austedo and Austedo XR aren’t used for treating Parkinson’s disease. Austedo hasn’t been shown to be safe or effective for treating Parkinson’s disease.

If you’d like to learn more about treatment options for Parkinson’s disease, talk with your doctor.

Is weight gain a possible side effect of Austedo?

It’s not likely. In studies, weight gain wasn’t a side effect reported by people who took Austedo or Austedo XR.

Weight gain and appetite changes can be symptoms of depression. Austedo has a boxed warning about depression and suicide risk when taken by people with Huntington’s disease. To learn more, see the “Austedo side effects?” section above.

If you’re concerned about your weight, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to maintain a healthy weight.

Is Austedo used for Tourette syndrome?

No, Austedo and Austedo XR aren’t used to treat Tourette syndrome.

Studies have looked at using Austedo to treat Tourette syndrome in children. But the results didn’t show the drug to be effective for this use.

If you’d like to learn more about treatment options for Tourette syndrome, talk with your doctor.

Austedo and Austedo XR contain the active ingredient deutetrabenazine. Tetrabenazine is the active ingredient in the brand-name medication Xenazine, which is similar to Austedo.

Austedo and Xenazine are both used to treat chorea related to Huntington’s disease. But Austedo is also used to treat tardive dyskinesia.

If you want to learn more about Austedo versus Xenazine, see the “Austedo vs. Xenazine” section in this article. You can also discuss these treatment options with your doctor.

Your doctor will explain how you should take Austedo or Austedo XR. They will also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Taking Austedo

Austedo comes as oral tablets. You’ll usually take Austedo twice per day with food.

Austedo XR comes as extended-release (ER)* oral tablets. (With ER medications, the drug is slowly released into your body over time.) You’ll take a dose once per day with or without food.

Accessible medication containers and labels

If it’s hard for you to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Certain pharmacies may provide medication labels that:

  • have large print
  • use braille
  • contain a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text into audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

Also, if you’re having trouble opening your medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to put Austedo in an easy-open container. Your pharmacist may also recommend tools to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.

Questions about taking Austedo

Here are answers to questions you might have about taking Austedo.

  • Can Austedo be chewed, crushed, or split? No, you should not chew, crush, or split Austedo or Austedo XR tablets. They’re meant to be taken whole. If you have trouble swallowing pills, try the tips in this article. Your doctor or pharmacist may also have advice that might make taking your dose easier.
  • Should I take Austedo with food? If you’re prescribed Austedo oral tablets, you should take your doses with food. But if you’re prescribed Austedo XR, you can take your doses with or without food.
Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Austedo and your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:

  • Before your appointment, write down questions, such as:
    • How will Austedo affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.
  • If you don’t understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.

Before taking Austedo or Austedo XR, you should talk with your doctor about your overall health and any medical conditions you have. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist about any medications you take. Letting your doctor know this information will help them determine whether Austedo may be a safe and effective treatment option for you.

Interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking Austedo, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Austedo.

For more information about Austedo and interactions, see this in-depth article.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Austedo can interact with several types of drugs. Examples are listed below.

Note: Because of possible interactions, your doctor will likely recommend that you don’t take Austedo with certain drugs listed above. And your doctor may recommend waiting a certain length of time before starting Austedo after you’ve stopped taking some of the drugs listed.

This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with Austedo. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with the use of Austedo.

Boxed warning

Austedo has a boxed warning. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Risk of depression and suicidal thoughts or actions in certain people: People with Huntington’s disease have an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts or actions. For people with this condition, taking Austedo may worsen these feelings or increase the risk of them occurring. (Austedo is prescribed to treat chorea, a movement disorder caused by Huntington’s disease.)

For more information, see the “Austedo side effects?” section above.

Other warnings

Austedo may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Austedo. Factors to consider include those in the list below.

  • Heart rhythm problems: Taking Austedo can worsen heart rhythm problems you may already have. Examples of heart rhythm problems include arrhythmia and long QT syndrome. Due to this risk, your doctor likely will not prescribe Austedo if you have a heart rhythm problem. Instead, they’ll discuss treatment options that may be safer for you.
  • Liver problems: If you have a liver problem, it may affect your body’s ability to break down Austedo. This can cause Austedo levels in your body to become high, raising your risk of side effects. Due to this risk, your doctor likely will not prescribe Austedo if you have a liver problem. Instead, they’ll recommend safer treatment options for you.
  • Low blood levels of magnesium or potassium: If you have low blood levels of magnesium or potassium, taking Austedo may increase your risk of heart rhythm problems. Before prescribing Austedo, your doctor may want to treat your low potassium or magnesium levels first. They may also order blood tests to check these levels during Austedo treatment.
  • Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Austedo or any of its ingredients, your doctor likely will not prescribe Austedo. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Austedo and alcohol

While you’re taking Austedo, you may want to avoid alcohol or drink only a small amount. Drinking alcohol while taking Austedo can cause extreme drowsiness.

If you’d like to learn more about consuming alcohol while taking Austedo, talk with your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Austedo while pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, tell your doctor before you begin taking Austedo. They can discuss safe treatment options for your condition.

Do not take more Austedo or Austedo XR than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than this can lead to serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

What to do in case you take too much Austedo

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Austedo. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you’re considering treatment with Austedo or Austedo XR, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Ask questions that help you feel comfortable about the risks and benefits of taking this drug. Here are a few examples to get you started:

  • What should I know about alternative treatment options for Austedo?
  • If I experience side effects from Austedo, are there different doses I can try?
  • Will taking Austedo cause sexual side effects?
  • Can Austedo cause any long-term side effects?

Q:

I have tardive dyskinesia from taking an antipsychotic, so my doctor would like to prescribe Austedo. Will I need to stop taking the antipsychotic?

Anonymous

A:

Antipsychotic drugs may interact with Austedo and Austedo XR, which can increase your risk of side effects. Specifically, your risk of parkinsonism and neuroleptic malignant syndrome may increase. Some antipsychotics may also increase your risk of long QT syndrome with Austedo.

If you take an antipsychotic, your doctor may consider lowering your dose of Austedo to prevent possible side effects. For more information about the use of antipsychotics with Austedo, talk with your doctor.

And for examples of other types of drugs that may interact with Austedo, see the “What should be considered before taking Austedo?” section above.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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