See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Tetrabenazine
The brand name for tetrabenazine is Xenazine [1].
What is Xenazine used for?
Xenazine is prescribed to treat chorea, which are involuntary, irregular muscle movements, associated with Huntington's disease [1].
How does Xenazine work?
Tetrabenazine, the active ingredient in Xenazine, is a reversible inhibitor of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) [1]. VMAT2 is responsible for transporting monoamines, such as dopamine, from the cytoplasm into storage vesicles. By inhibiting VMAT2, tetrabenazine reduces the uptake of monoamines into presynaptic neurons, leading to a decrease in dopaminergic neurotransmission [1]. This reduction in dopamine is thought to alleviate the choreiform movements seen in Huntington's disease [1].
When did Xenazine become available?
Xenazine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008 [2].
What are the potential side effects of Xenazine?
Common side effects of Xenazine can include drowsiness, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, and depression [1]. A significant risk associated with Xenazine is the potential to cause or worsen depression and suicidal ideation. Patients should be monitored closely for any signs of these serious adverse events [1].
Are there other brand names for tetrabenazine?
While Xenazine is the primary brand name for tetrabenazine in the U.S., other formulations or regional brand names might exist. For instance, Valbenazine, another VMAT2 inhibitor, is marketed under the brand name Ingrezza and is also used for chorea associated with Huntington's disease [3].
What is the patent status for Xenazine?
Information on the specific patent expiration dates for Xenazine can be found on specialized drug patent databases like DrugPatentWatch.com [4].
What are the alternatives to Xenazine for treating chorea?
Besides Xenazine, other medications can be used to manage chorea in Huntington's disease. These include antipsychotics, which can help control movements by blocking dopamine receptors, and newer VMAT2 inhibitors like valbenazine (Ingrezza) [3]. The choice of treatment depends on individual patient factors, symptom severity, and tolerance to side effects.
How is Xenazine dosed?
Xenazine is typically started at a low dose and gradually increased to manage chorea effectively while minimizing side effects. Dosing regimens are individualized and should be determined by a healthcare professional [1].
Sources
[1] https://www.drugs.com/xenazine.html
[2] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-for-patients-and-providers/xenazine-tetrabenazine-information
[3] https://www.ingrezza.com/huntingtons-disease/about-ingrezza
[4] https://drugpatentwatch.com/