thoughtscape NP Psychiatry · Patient education
Valbenazine
Ingrezza • Ingrezza Sprinkle
For certain unwanted movements, with comfort, alertness, and everyday function all part of the goal.
Draft for review · Clinical content has not been revalidated for this website.
VMAT2 helps brain cells store chemical messengers. The medicine and an active form made by your body act here.
What it is used for
Treats tardive dyskinesia in adults: repeated unwanted movements of the face, mouth, or other body parts.
Also treats chorea, the involuntary movements associated with Huntington disease. It does not cure either condition.
How it works
Changes how nerve cells store messengers such as dopamine. This can reduce unwanted movement.
Your team checks whether less movement means easier meals, speaking, walking, and daily life—not just a better score.
What to expect over time
START
Begin with the dose your prescriber chose.
DOSE CHANGES
TD changes may follow one week; Huntington chorea increases are two weeks apart.
OVER WEEKS
Benefit may emerge around two weeks. Keep tracking function and side effects.
Taking your medication
Take once daily at about the same time, with or without food. Follow your own prescription; do not increase it yourself.
Standard Ingrezza capsules: swallow whole. Do not crush or chew. If swallowing is hard, ask about the Sprinkle form.
Sprinkle may be swallowed whole or opened onto soft food. See the exact preparation steps on the “Everyday tips” section; do not put it through a feeding tube.
When to get help
Get emergency help: trouble breathing or face, tongue or throat swelling; fever with severe stiffness and confusion; fainting with an irregular heartbeat.
Report immediately: new depression or thoughts of self-harm. Call 911 if you cannot stay safe.
Call promptly: new shaking, stiffness, slowed walking, falls, strong restlessness, rash, or hives.
Early side effects
Sleepiness, tiredness, dizziness, headache, stomach upset, constipation, or dry mouth can occur. Tell your team if symptoms interfere with daily life. Do not drive while sleepy or unsteady.
Other effects to discuss
The boxed warning concerns depression and suicidal thoughts or behavior in Huntington disease. Everyone should report new mood changes. Ask someone you trust to help notice changes in mood, walking, or alertness.
What to keep track of
Keep visits and a short movement, mood, and side-effect log. Heart testing and blood work depend on your history and other medicines. Better movement should not come at the cost of unsafe sleepiness or falls.
Before you start
Tell your team about depression, suicidal thoughts, fainting, heart-rhythm problems, long QT in your family, liver disease, falls or swallowing problems. Review all current and recently stopped medicines. Discuss pregnancy; do not breastfeed while taking it or for five days after the last dose.
Medicines & interactions
MAOIs and other movement drugs
MAOIs need a 14-day gap before starting. Do not combine VMAT2 medicines. Have the prescriber manage any switch.
Some antidepressants and anti-infectives
Some raise valbenazine levels and require a lower dose. Digoxin may need blood-level checks. Check every new medicine first.
Alcohol, sleep products, and supplements
Avoid alcohol. Other sedating products add impairment. Ask about St John's wort and grapefruit before using them.
Everyday tips
For Sprinkle: open onto one tablespoon of applesauce, yogurt, or pudding; stir and swallow without chewing.
Drink a glass of water afterward. Do not mix the granules into water or milk.
Use the mixture immediately when possible; discard any unused portion after two hours at room temperature.
Keep needed mental-health treatment in place unless your prescriber changes it. Do not change an antipsychotic yourself.
Your questions, answered
What if I miss a dose?
Take it when remembered unless the next dose is near; then skip it. Never double. After a longer gap, ask your team how to restart.
Can I stop when movements improve?
It usually does not need a taper, but movements may return. Discuss a plan and follow-up before stopping unless urgent care is needed for a serious reaction.
What if I take too much?
Call Poison Control now: 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 for collapse, seizure, breathing trouble, or inability to wake up.
Is a lower dose a failure?
No. The useful dose balances movement benefit with alertness, mood, and safety. Liver conditions or other medicines may require a lower amount.
Storage & safety
Keep tightly closed at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture and out of children's and pets' reach. Do not share. Ask your pharmacist about a medicine take-back service for unused capsules.
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.