Tetrabenazine Side Effects

Some side effects of tetrabenazine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to tetrabenazine: oral tablet

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking tetrabenazine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using tetrabenazine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• extreme drowsiness;

• mood or behavior changes, thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself;

• feeling restless, agitated, or hyperactive (mentally or physically);

• tremor (uncontrolled shaking), restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;

• trouble swallowing;

• problems with balance;

• dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;

• very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, feeling like you might pass out;

• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine; or

• urinating less than usual or not at all, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath.

Less serious side effects of tetrabenazine may include:

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• feeling anxious or irritable;

• mild drowsiness, tired feeling;

• mild nausea;

• breast swelling or discharge; or

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to tetrabenazine: oral tablet

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects have included sedation, somnolence, insomnia, depression, anxiety, irritability, and obsessive reaction.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included akathisia, balance difficulty, Parkinsonism, bradykinesia, dizziness, dysarthria, and unsteady gait.

Other

Other side effects have included fatigue, falls, and ecchymosis.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included upper respiratory tract infection, shortness of breath, and bronchitis.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included dysuria.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea and vomiting.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included hypotension.

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