Xenazine (Tetrabenazine Tablets) Drug Information: Overdosage and Contraindications

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May 27, 2012

Xenazine

Huntington's Disease »

Introduction to Huntington's disease

In 1872, the American physician George Huntington wrote about an illness that he called "an heirloom from generations away back in the dim past." He was not the first to describe the disorder, which has been traced back to the Middle Ages at least. One of its earliest names was chorea,* which, as in "choreography," is the Greek word for dance. The term chorea describes how people affected with the disorder writhe, twist, and turn in a constant, uncontrollable dance--like motion. Later, other descriptive names evolved. "Hereditary chorea" emphasizes how the disease is passed from parent to child. "Chronic progressive chorea" stresses how symptoms of the disease worsen over time. Today, physicians commonly use the simple term Huntington's disease (HD) to describe this highly complex disorder that causes untold suffering for thousands of families.

More than 15,000 Americans have HD. At least 150,000 others have a 50 percent ri...

Read the Huntington's Disease article »

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Xenazine

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OVERDOSE

Three episodes of overdose occurred in the open-label trials performed in support of registration. Eight cases of overdose with tetrabenazine have been reported in the literature. The dose of tetrabenazine in these patients ranged from 100 mg to 1g. AEs associated with tetrabenazine overdose included acute dystonia, oculogryic crisis, nausea and vomiting, sweating, sedation, hypotension, confusion, diarrhea, hallucinations, rubor, and tremor.

Overdose Management

Treatment should consist of those general measures employed in the management of overdosage with any CNS-active drug. General supportive and symptomatic measures are recommended. Cardiac rhythm and vital signs should be monitored. In managing overdosage, the possibility of multiple drug involvement should always be considered. The physician should consider contacting a poison control center on the treatment of any overdose. Telephone numbers for certified poison control centers are listed in the Physicians' Desk Reference® (PDR®).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

XENAZINE is contraindicated in patients who are actively suicidal, or in patients with untreated or inadequately treated depression. XENAZINE is contraindicated in patients with impaired hepatic function. XENAZINE is contraindicated in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Xenazine is contraindicated in patients taking reserpine. At least 20 days should elapse after stopping reserpine before starting XENAZINE (see PRECAUTIONS DRUG INTERACTIONS).

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/13/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.