thoughtscape NP Psychiatry · Patient education
Deutetrabenazine
Austedo • Austedo XR
Treatment for certain involuntary movements. The goal is more comfort and better everyday function.
Draft for review · Clinical content has not been revalidated for this website.
M means active metabolites: forms your body makes from the medicine that act on the VMAT2 transporter.
What it is used for
For adults with tardive dyskinesia, which can cause repeated movements of the face, mouth, or other body parts.
Also treats chorea, the unwanted movements associated with Huntington disease. It is not a cure for either condition.
How it works
Changes how brain cells store messengers such as dopamine. This can reduce unwanted movements.
Less movement is not the only goal. Your team also watches whether eating, speaking, walking, and daily activities become easier.
What to expect over time
START LOW
Your team chooses the form and beginning dose.
WEEKLY CHECKS
Dose increases are no more frequent than weekly, and only if appropriate.
OVER WEEKS
Benefit may build over two to four weeks. Keep tracking comfort and function.
Taking your medication
Austedo without XR: usually twice daily with food. Austedo XR: once daily, with or without food. Follow your exact prescription.
Swallow tablets whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew either form. Ask for help if swallowing is difficult.
Do not take both forms together or switch on your own. Tablets and schedules can differ even when the daily amount is the same.
When to get help
Report immediately: new depression, unusual behavior, or thoughts of self-harm. If you cannot stay safe, call 911 or go to an emergency department.
Get emergency help: fever with severe stiffness, sweating, and confusion, or fainting with a fast or irregular heartbeat.
Call promptly: new shaking, stiffness, slowed walking, falls or a strong urge to keep moving.
Early side effects
Sleepiness, tiredness, dizziness, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, or trouble sleeping can occur. Let your team know if they disrupt your day. Do not drive while sleepy or unsteady.
Other effects to discuss
This medicine has a boxed warning about depression and suicidal thoughts or behavior in Huntington disease. Everyone taking it should report new mood changes. Do not start with uncontrolled depression or suicidal thoughts if you have Huntington disease.
What to keep track of
Keep follow-up visits and a brief movement, mood, and side-effect log. Your team may use a movement rating scale. Heart testing and blood work depend on your history and other medicines.
Before you start
Share any history of depression, self-harm thoughts, liver or kidney disease, fainting, heart-rhythm problems, low potassium or magnesium, breast cancer, falls or swallowing difficulty. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding if relevant. Give your team a complete list of current and recently stopped medicines.
Medicines & interactions
Other movement medicines and MAOIs
Do not combine with tetrabenazine, valbenazine, reserpine, or an MAOI. Some require a waiting period after stopping; have the prescriber manage it.
Some antidepressants
Fluoxetine, paroxetine, and bupropion can raise drug exposure and require a lower maximum dose. Do not adjust either medicine yourself.
Antipsychotics, alcohol, and sedatives
Antipsychotics may add movement side effects. Alcohol and sedating products add sleepiness. Check all combinations, including nonprescription sleep aids.
Everyday tips
Pick a practical goal, such as easier meals or steadier walking.
Ask someone you trust to notice mood changes with you.
Use a dose log, especially during weekly changes.
Keep necessary mental-health treatment in place unless your prescriber changes it.
Your questions, answered
What if I miss a dose?
Take it when remembered unless the next dose is near; never double. After more than a week off, call before restarting because the dose must be built up again. Ask if the gap is uncertain.
Can I stop taking it?
It does not require tapering, but discuss the plan first because movements may return. Serious reactions need urgent care, not a routine follow-up visit.
What is that tablet in my stool?
The empty XR shell may pass in your stool after releasing the medicine. That does not mean you missed the dose; do not take an extra tablet.
What if I take too much?
Call Poison Control now: 1-800-222-1222. Do not wait for symptoms. Call 911 for collapse, seizure, trouble breathing, or inability to wake up.
Storage & safety
Keep the bottle tightly closed at room temperature, away from heat, light and moisture. Leave the moisture-absorbing canister inside until the last dose. Store securely away from children and pets; use a medicine take-back service for unused tablets.
About this information
For general information only; not a substitute for individualized medical advice. This sheet does not cover every risk or interaction. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist before changing how you take this medication.
Sources
Educational inclusion does not mean this medication or its indications are treated at this practice. Review the guide for your exact product with your prescriber or pharmacist.