By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo

TheMediTary.Com

Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com

  • Home
  • News
  • Drugs
  • Drugs A-Z
  • Medical Answers
  • About Us
  • Contact
Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo
Search Drugs
  • Drugs
    • Latest Drugs
    • Drugs A-Z
    • Medical Answers
  • News
    • FDA Alerts
    • Medical News
    • Health
    • Consumer Updates
    • Children's Health
  • More TheMediTary.Com
    • About Us
    • Contact
Follow US
Home > Drugs > VMAT2 inhibitors > Xenazine > Xenazine Side Effects
VMAT2 inhibitors

Xenazine Side Effects

Note: This document contains side effect information about tetrabenazine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Xenazine.

Summary

Common side effects of Xenazine include: drowsiness, sedated state, bradykinesia, hypertonia, muscle rigidity, depression, exacerbation of depression, akathisia, and restlessness. Other side effects include: dysphagia, anxiety, and dizziness. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to tetrabenazine: oral tablets.

Warning

  • Tetrabenazine increases risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior (suicidality) in patients with Huntington’s disease; balance this risk with clinical need for treatment of chorea.

    1

  • Closely observe all patients for emergence or clinical worsening of depression, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior; involve family members and/or caregivers in this process.1

  • Exercise particular caution when treating patients with a history of depression or prior suicide attempts or ideation, which are increased in frequency in Huntington's disease.1

  • Tetrabenazine is contraindicated in patients who are suicidal and in patients with untreated or inadequately treated depression.1

Side effects include:

Adverse effects reported in ≥5% of patients with Huntington’s chorea receiving tetrabenazine (the active ingredient contained in Xenazine) and at an incidence greater than that reported with placebo include sedation or somnolence, insomnia, fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, balance difficulties, extrapyramidal adverse effects (e.g., akathisia, bradykinesia, parkinsonism, hypertonia), nausea, vomiting, ecchymosis, falls, laceration of the head, and upper respiratory tract infection.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to tetrabenazine: oral tablet.

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Any extrapyramidal event (33%), sedation/somnolence (31%), akathisia/hyperkinesia/restlessness (19%), parkinsonism (12%)

Common (1% to 10%): Balance difficulty, dizziness, dysarthria, unsteady gait, headache

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Altered levels of consciousness

Rare (less than 0.1%): Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Frequency not reported: Ataxia, dyskinetic seizure, dystonia, memory impairment, amnesia

Postmarketing reports: Tremor[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (22%), fall (15%)

Common (1% to 10%): Head laceration

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperthermia

Frequency not reported: Lassitude, hypothermia, weakness, lactation, irregular menstrual cycle[Ref]

Psychiatric

Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (22%), depression (19%), anxiety/aggravated anxiety (15%)

Common (1% to 10%): Irritability, obsessive reaction, agitation, confusion

Frequency not reported: Disorientation, feelings of unreality, nervousness, sleep disorders

Postmarketing reports: Worsening aggression[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Nausea (13%)

Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, dysphagia/choking attacks, constipation, diarrhea

Frequency not reported: Dry mouth, epigastric pain, sialorrhea[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory tract infection (11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Shortness of breath, bronchitis

Frequency not reported: Bronchopneumonia

Postmarketing reports: Pneumonia[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension

Frequency not reported: Hypertensive crisis, bradycardia[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Ecchymosis

Frequency not reported: Sweating

Postmarketing reports: Hyperhidrosis, skin rash[Ref]

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Dysuria[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Decreased appetite

Frequency not reported: Anorexia, weight gain[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Severe extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., muscular rigidity, autonomic dysfunction)

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Skeletal muscle damage[Ref]

Hematologic

Frequency not reported: Leukopenia[Ref]

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Oculogyric crisis, photophobia[Ref]

Share this Article
Latest News
Medical News

Seed oils: Omega-6 fatty acids may lower diabetes, heart disease risk

Jun 01, 2025
Type 2 diabetes: Sugary drinks may significantly raise risk
COVID-19: Who do the new vaccine guideline changes affect?
Vitamin D supplements may help slow down aging by 3 years
Aging: Exercise timing, consistency can affect heart and lung fitness
Heart health: Exercise not enough to offset effects of poor sleep
Related Drugs
Fidanacogene Elaparvovec
Cerave Anti-Itch
Centrum Adult
Crovalimab
Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe
Zepbound Pen
Mylanta One
Uretron Ds
Medihoney Wound And Burn Dressing
Lidotrode

Other drugs

Name Drug Class Updated
Fidanacogene Elaparvovec Drugs 03-Oct-2024
Cerave Anti-Itch Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Centrum Adult Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Crovalimab Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe Drugs 01-Oct-2024
Zepbound Pen Drugs 30-Sep-2024
Mylanta One Drugs 27-Sep-2024
Uretron Ds Drugs 27-Sep-2024
Medihoney Wound And Burn Dressing Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Lidotrode Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Libervant Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Moderna Covid-19 Drugs 25-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024

Categories

  • FDA Alerts
  • Medical News
  • Health
  • Consumer Updates
  • Children's Health

About US

Welcome to TheMediTary.Com

Our website provides reliable and up-to-date information on various medical topics. We empower individuals to take charge of their health by simplifying complex medical jargon and providing practical tips and advice. We prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of our users and welcome feedback to improve our services.

Website use data of FDA and other sources

DMCA.com Protection Status Truste Protection Status Trust Mark Protection Status
HONcode logo We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information.
Quick Link
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Disclaimer
  • DMCA
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Sitemap
  • Care Notes
  • Health Guide
  • Professional
Drugs
  • New Drugs
  • Medical Answers
  • Drugs A-Z
  • Drug Classes
  • Drug Dosage
  • Pill Identifier
  • Consumer Infor
  • Side Effects
  • Inactive Ingredients
  • Pregnancy Warnings
  • Patient Tips
  • Treatments
News
  • Latest News
  • FDA Alerts
  • Medical News
  • Health
  • Consumer Updates
  • Children's Health
Find US
  • Medium
  • Google Site
  • Blogspot
  • API
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • Scoop.it
  • Substack
  • Wordpress
  • Wix
  • Behance

© 2025 TheMediTary.Com All rights reserved. Operated by