Does Austedo cause weight gain?
Yes, weight gain is a possible side effect of Austedo (deutetrabenazine). However, it is not very common and individual responses to the medication can vary.
Clinical Evidence: Austedo and Weight Gain
Weight increase is a documented side effect of Austedo (deutetrabenazine) in children and adolescents treated for tics associated with Tourette syndrome. Here’s a summary of findings from key studies.
Tourette syndrome
An 8-week clinical study in children and teens treated with Austedo for tics associated with Tourette syndrome showed the following mean body weight increases:
- High-dose group: +1.99kg
- Low-dose group: +2.55kg
- Placebo group: +0.34kg
Increased appetite was reported as a treatment-emergent adverse event in 8% of patients on high-dose Austedo, and weight gain was more pronounced in the treatment groups compared to placebo.
In long-term, open-label follow-up (up to 54 weeks), weight increase was reported as an adverse event in 9.7% of patients taking Austedo.
Huntington’s disease
In a 12-week study of 90 patients with Huntington’s disease, patients taking Austedo had a body mass index (BMI) gain of 0.6 compared with a loss of 0.1 in the placebo group.
Why Does Austedo Cause Weight Gain?
Deutetrabenazine (Austedo) can cause weight gain in some patients, most notably children and adolescents, as documented in clinical studies and adverse event reports. Current research and patient monitoring have identified several contributing factors, though the precise biological mechanism remains incompletely understood.
Possible Mechanisms Behind Weight Gain
- Improved Appetite and Swallowing Function: There is clinical evidence that deutetrabenazine may improve swallowing in patients with movement disorders (such as those with Huntington's disease), which can lead to increased food intake and subsequent weight gain. Additionally, "increased appetite" is an observed side effect in some children and adolescents taking Austedo.
- Mood and Depression Effects: Austedo can cause mood changes, including depression. In some cases, depression may lead to increased appetite and weight gain as a symptom or coping mechanism. However, individual responses vary.
- Reduced Chorea and Improved Nutritional Intake: By controlling involuntary movements (chorea), Austedo might make eating easier or safer for some patients, which could result in nutritional improvement and weight gain.
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Who Might Be More Likely to Notice Weight Changes?
While Austedo (deutetrabenazine) has been associated with weight gain in some patients—particularly children and adolescents in clinical studies—not everyone will experience this effect. Weight changes with Austedo often depend on a combination of individual factors, medication regimen, and lifestyle.
Understanding who might be more susceptible can help patients and caregivers stay alert and discuss any concerns with their healthcare providers. Here are some groups who may be more likely to notice weight changes during treatment:
- Patients with changes in activity or eating habits following the start of Austedo or associated treatments may experience weight fluctuations.
- Those taking other medications (like antipsychotics or certain antidepressants) known to cause weight gain are at higher risk.
- Mood changes: Austedo may cause depression in some people, and depression itself can affect appetite and weight—indirectly leading to weight gain in rare cases.
When to Talk to Your Doctor About Weight Changes
If you notice unexplained or significant changes in your weight after starting Austedo, consult your doctor. Unintentional weight gain (or loss) can result from many factors, including other medications, mood changes, or changes in physical activity, so it’s important for your healthcare provider to help determine the cause and provide management options.
Bottom Line
Austedo may lead to an increased appetite and weight gain in some patients, but everyone responds differently. Speak to your healthcare provider if you notice changes in your weight.
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.
References
- Austedo [package insert]. Updated February 2025. Teva Neuroscience, Inc. Accessed August 8, 2025 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7ea3c60a-45c7-44cc-afc2-d87fa53993c0
- Coffey, B., Jankovic, J., Claassen, D. O., Jimenez-Shahed, J., Gertz, B. J., Garofalo, E. A., Stamler, D. A., Wieman, M., Savola, J. M., Gordon, M. F., Alexander, J. K., Barkay, H., & Harary, E. (2021). Efficacy and Safety of Fixed-Dose Deutetrabenazine in Children and Adolescents for Tics Associated With Tourette Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA network open, 4(10), e2129397. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.29397
- Huntington Study Group, Frank, S., Testa, C. M., Stamler, D., Kayson, E., Davis, C., Edmondson, M. C., Kinel, S., Leavitt, B., Oakes, D., O'Neill, C., Vaughan, C., Goldstein, J., Herzog, M., Snively, V., Whaley, J., Wong, C., Suter, G., Jankovic, J., Jimenez-Shahed, J., … Christopher, E. (2016). Effect of Deutetrabenazine on Chorea Among Patients With Huntington Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 316(1), 40–50. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2016.8655
- Jankovic, J., Coffey, B., Claassen, D. O., Jimenez-Shahed, J., Gertz, B. J., Garofalo, E. A., Stamler, D. A., Wieman, M., Savola, J. M., Harary, E., Alexander, J., Barkay, H., & Gordon, M. F. (2023). Safety and Efficacy of Long-Term Deutetrabenazine Use in Children and Adolescents with Tics Associated with Tourette Syndrome: An Open-Label Extension Study. Movement disorders clinical practice, 10(9), 1388–1398. https://doi.org/10.1002/mdc3.13849
Read next
How long does it take for Austedo to work?
Austedo (deutetrabenazine) starts working within two weeks, according to results of phase III clinical trials, which were conducted in patients with chorea associated with Huntington’s disease and tardive dyskinesia. Continue reading
What condition is Austedo used to treat?
Austedo (deutetrabenazine) is an oral prescription medication approved to treat Huntington’s chorea and tardive dyskinesia (TD). Austedo is classified as a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor. VMAT2 a protein that controls transfer of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) between nerves in the brain between. These neurotransmitters help to control normal body movement or motor function. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Austedo Information for Consumers
- Austedo prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Austedo (detailed)
- Austedo user reviews (12)
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