Tetrabenazine (brand name Xenazine) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington’s disease and other involuntary movement disorders. By modulating neurotransmitter storage, it helps reduce the intensity and frequency of involuntary movements.
The primary indication for tetrabenazine is the management of chorea in Huntington’s disease and tardive dyskinesia. It works by inhibiting the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) in nerve terminals, leading to reduced uptake of dopamine and other monoamines into synaptic vesicles.
By decreasing the amount of dopamine released into the synapse, tetrabenazine helps to alleviate excessive motor activity. It is typically administered orally, with dose adjustments based on patient response and tolerability.