Does Austedo cause Parkinson's Disease?

Austedo does not cause Parkinson’s disease. However, it may cause Parkinson-like symptoms—including tremor, muscle stiffness, slow movement, and difficulties with balance—in some patients. These effects are known as drug-induced parkinsonism and are usually reversible after stopping or reducing the medication.

Why These Symptoms Occur

Austedo (deutetrabenazine) works by inhibiting vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). VMAT2 controls dopamine movement within the brain. By blocking VMAT2, Austedo decreases the amount of dopamine available to brain cells. Dopamine is essential for smooth, coordinated movement, and its reduction can lead to symptoms resembling those of Parkinson’s disease—such as tremor, muscle rigidity, and slowed movements (bradykinesia). This side effect is called drug-induced parkinsonism, and is distinct from Parkinson’s disease itself.

Key Difference from Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder where dopamine-producing brain cells gradually deteriorate. Symptoms worsen over time and persist even without medication.

Drug-induced parkinsonism is a reaction to medications that alter dopamine levels. It typically appears shortly after starting or increasing the dose of Austedo, and most cases improve or resolve completely when the drug is stopped or its dose is lowered.

What Symptoms to Watch For

If you take Austedo, monitor for these symptoms:

• Tremor or shaking
• Muscle stiffness or rigidity
• Slowed movements (bradykinesia)
• Difficulty maintaining balance or increased falls
• Difficulty walking or gait disturbances

Patients should contact their healthcare provider promptly if they notice new or worsening movement problems. Dose adjustments or discontinuation may be necessary, and your doctor can help distinguish between medication side effects and the underlying disease.

Related questions

• Austedo vs Ingrezza: How do they compare?
• How do you use the Austedo titration pack?
• Does Austedo cause weight gain?

Who Is at Greater Risk?

Not everyone taking Austedo will experience Parkinson-like symptoms, but certain individuals are more susceptible than others. Understanding these risk factors can help patients and healthcare providers monitor more closely and take steps to reduce the likelihood or severity of side effects. Those at an increased risk include:

• Older adults: Higher sensitivity to dopamine changes increases risk of drug-induced parkinsonism.
• Patients on higher doses of Austedo or those taking other dopamine-modulating medications (such as antipsychotics), which can increase the likelihood and severity of symptoms.

FDA and Clinical Evidence

The FDA label for Austedo clearly states that the drug can cause parkinsonism, particularly in people being treated for Huntington’s disease or tardive dyskinesia. Post-marketing data and clinical trials confirm that these symptoms generally appear within the first two weeks of starting or increasing the dose of Austedo. Importantly, they typically resolve when the drug is stopped or dose is reduced. Healthcare providers are advised to monitor for these effects and manage them appropriately as part of safe clinical use.

Conclusion

Austedo does not cause Parkinson’s disease. What it can cause—most often reversibly—is drug-induced parkinsonism, with symptoms that mimic Parkinson’s but are a temporary side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider if you experience movement difficulties while using Austedo.

This is not all the information you need to know about Austedo for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full patient medication guide and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

Read next

See also:

Related medical questions

• What drugs cause tardive dyskinesia?
• Why should you not discontinue amantadine?
• How much does Ingrezza cost and will insurance cover it?
• Which pharmacies can dispense Ingrezza?
• What symptoms does amantadine treat?
• How long does it take for Ingrezza to work?
• Does Ingrezza cause weight gain?
• What condition is Ingrezza used to treat?
• Ingrezza mechanism of action: How does it work?
• What is Gocovri (amantadine) and how does it work?
• Can Ingrezza capsules be opened?
• How effective is Ingrezza?
• How long does it take for amantadine to start working?
• What is Creatine used for?
• What's the MOA for Xenazine (tetrabenazine)?
• How long does it take for Xenazine (tetrabenazine) to work?

Drug information

• Austedo Information for Consumers
• Austedo prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
• Side Effects of Austedo (detailed)
• Austedo user reviews (12)

Related support groups

• Austedo (9 questions, 14 members)
• Tardive Dyskinesia (40 questions, 174 members)
• Huntington's Disease (18 questions, 14 members)
• Parkinson's Disease (47 questions, 185 members)

Medical Disclaimer