Deutetrabenazine
Deutetrabenazine is a medication used to treat movement disorders characterized by involuntary movements. It works by reversibly depleting dopamine and other monoamines from nerve terminals in the brain, which helps reduce hyperkinetic movements. This medication is primarily prescribed for tardive dyskinesia and for chorea associated with Huntington's disease.
Deutetrabenazine is a VMAT2 inhibitor that depletes dopamine to reduce involuntary movements in tardive dyskinesia and Huntington's disease chorea.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N07XX16
- RxNorm
- 1876905
- Generic
- Deutetrabenazine
- Class
- atc-n07
- Brands
- Austedo
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 6-48 mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- twice daily with food
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- use not established
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 6-48 mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- twice daily with food
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose if benefits outweigh risks
avoid use during pregnancy unless potential benefits justify potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring, assess risk versus benefit
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose if benefits outweigh risks
avoid use during pregnancy unless potential benefits justify potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring, assess risk versus benefit
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose if benefits outweigh risks
avoid use during pregnancy unless potential benefits justify potential risks to fetus; consider discontinuation prior to delivery
regular fetal monitoring, assess risk versus benefit, monitor for neonatal sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug
deutetrabenazine and its metabolites are excreted in breast milk; breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment
monitor infant for excessive sleepiness, feeding difficulties
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno specific dosage adjustment required
use with caution; monitor for depression, suicidality, and sedation; start at lower end of dosing range
regular monitoring for depression, suicidality, falls, sedation, and parkinsonism
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescentsnot recommended
safety and efficacy not established in patients under 18 years of age; use is not recommended
not applicable for pediatric use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno dosage adjustment required
no dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate renal impairment; use with caution
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution, consider lower doses
use with caution in severe renal impairment; not studied in end-stage renal disease
monitor renal function closely, consider dose adjustment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderatenot recommended
contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment; do not use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
alcohol_users
concurrent useavoid alcohol
avoid concurrent alcohol consumption; may exacerbate sedation and CNS depression
monitor for increased sedation, dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA Approval Year
Initial FDA approval date for Austedo (Deutetrabenazine)
Drug class
Mechanism of action classification
Common uses
Approved therapeutic indications
Available formulations
Dosage forms and strengths
Deutetrabenazine is FDA-approved for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia (involuntary, repetitive movements caused by long-term use of certain medications) and for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease (inherited disorder causing progressive movement, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms).
Deutetrabenazine works by reversibly inhibiting vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), which is responsible for packaging dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine into vesicles for release. By inhibiting this transporter, the medication depletes these monoamines from nerve terminals in the brain, thereby reducing the excessive dopaminergic activity that contributes to involuntary movements.
Deutetrabenazine may increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts; patients should be monitored closely, especially those with a history of depression. Common side effects include somnolence, fatigue, and akathisia. The medication may cause parkinsonism-like symptoms. Dose adjustment is required for patients with hepatic impairment. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy