The primary cause of TD relates to long-term use of dopamine receptor-blocking drugs, including first-generation (typical) and second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics. These medications reduce dopamine activity in the brain to alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions.
Austedo Mechanism of Action
Austedo works by selectively inhibiting the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), a protein responsible for packaging neurotransmitters like dopamine into synaptic vesicles in the brain. By inhibiting VMAT2, Austedo reduces the release of dopamine and other monoamines into nerve synapses, which helps decrease the abnormal involuntary movements characteristic of Tardive Dyskinesia. Its deuterated structure prolongs the half-life of the active metabolites, allowing for smoother plasma concentration and reduced side effects. This mechanism helps improve motor control by dampening the hyperactive dopaminergic signaling implicated in TD.
Austedo Vs Ingrezza
Austedo and Ingrezza are both FDA-approved medications used to treat Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), a disorder characterized by involuntary muscle movements often caused by long-term use of certain psychiatric drugs. Austedo (deutetrabenazine) and Ingrezza (valbenazine) belong to the class of VMAT2 inhibitors, which work by regulating dopamine levels in the brain to reduce these abnormal movements. Austedo's mechanism of action involves selectively inhibiting the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), thereby decreasing dopamine release and lessening involuntary movements. Patients using Austedo benefit from carefully designed dosing schedules and medication forms, which are detailed in the Austedo package insert, providing important information on dosage, administration, and safety precautions. When compared, Austedo is often taken twice daily or once daily in its extended-release form, while Ingrezza is usually taken once daily, offering flexibility for different patient needs. Both medications have shown statistically significant improvements in TD symptoms, but individual suitability may vary based on medical history, side-effect profiles, and lifestyle factors.
Austedo Package Insert
The Austedo package insert provides detailed information essential for safe and effective use, including indications, dosage, administration guidelines, contraindications, and potential side effects. It describes dosing schedules, starting at low doses with titration based on patient response, and highlights important safety information like possible sedation, diarrhea, or dry mouth. The insert also includes drug interaction warnings and precautions for specific populations like poor CYP2D6 metabolizers. Healthcare providers rely on this document to ensure patients receive optimal dosing while minimizing risks during treatment for Tardive Dyskinesia.
Causes of Tardive Dyskinesia
The primary cause of TD relates to long-term use of dopamine receptor-blocking drugs, including first-generation (typical) and second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics. These medications reduce dopamine activity in the brain to alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions.
Over time, the brain may develop a hypersensitivity to the reduced dopamine activity, leading to abnormal, involuntary muscle movements. Other contributing factors include oxidative stress damaging brain cells and genetic predispositions that increase vulnerability to TD. Older age, female gender, and co-existing conditions like diabetes or mood disorders also raise the risk.
Symptoms to Watch For
TD symptoms vary widely but most commonly affect facial muscles, causing:
Rapid blinking or eye twitching
Lip smacking, puckering, or pursing
Tongue protruding or thrusting out involuntarily
Grimacing or jaw movements
The limbs may also show repetitive actions such as finger wiggling, foot tapping, arm flapping, or twisting movements. In severe cases, these movements can interfere with walking, speaking, and other routine activities.
Diagnosing Tardive Dyskinesia
Diagnosing TD requires a careful clinical evaluation, especially since symptoms often develop long after beginning medication. Doctors assess the characteristic repetitive movements and rule out other causes, including Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders. A confirmed diagnosis helps guide treatment decisions and adjustments to medication regimens.
Austedo Drug Interactions
Austedo (deutetrabenazine) can interact with several medications, which may affect its safety and effectiveness. Notably, it should not be used concurrently with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of stopping these drugs due to the risk of hypertensive crisis. Austedo is metabolized by the CYP2D6 enzyme, so concurrent use of strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (such as paroxetine or fluoxetine) requires dosage adjustments to prevent increased plasma levels and heightened side effects. Additionally, caution is advised when taken with other drugs affecting the central nervous system, such as sedatives or antipsychotics, as this may increase the risk of sedation, dizziness, or other adverse effects. Patients must inform their healthcare providers about all medications they are taking to avoid potentially dangerous interactions.
What condition is Austedo used to treat?
Austedo (deutetrabenazine) is an oral prescription medication approved to treat two conditions: Huntington’s chorea and tardive dyskinesia (TD). Austedo is classified as a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor.
VMAT2 a protein that controls transfer of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain between nerves. These neurotransmitters help to control normal body movement or motor function.
In movement disorders such as Huntington's chorea or TD or there can be a problem with the VMAT2 system, leading to uncontrolled body movements. VMAT2 inhibitors block the action of VMAT2, lower neurotransmitter activity, and help to reduce unwanted body movements.
The safety and effectiveness of Austedo in children have not been established.