Xenazine (Tetrabenazine Tablets) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

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 »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Next »

Xenazine

Dementia Slideshow Pictures

Take the ADHD Quiz

Brain Foods Slideshow Pictures

font size

Xenazine Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking tetrabenazine (Xenazine)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to tetrabenazine, or if you have:

severe or untreated depression;
suicidal thoughts;
liver disease; or
past or present breast cancer.

Do not use tetrabenazine if you have taken reserpine within the past 20 days, or if you have used an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days. Examples of MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take tetrabenazine:

heart disease;
a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome"; or
a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or actions.

You may feel depressed or have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have worsening depression or suicidal thoughts while taking tetrabenazine.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits while you are taking tetrabenazine.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether tetrabenazine is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether tetrabenazine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take tetrabenazine (Xenazine)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Call your doctor if your chorea symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while taking tetrabenazine.

You may need frequent eye exams while you are taking tetrabenazine. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Store tetrabenazine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Related Drug Centers