Tetrabenazine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 25, 2023.

Applies to tetrabenazine: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

Tetrabenazine can increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior (suicidality).

This risk must be balanced with the clinical need.

Monitor patients closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.

Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber.

Particular caution should be exercised in treating patients with a history of depression or prior suicide attempts or ideation.

Tetrabenazine is contraindicated in patients who are actively suicidal, and in patients with untreated or inadequately treated depression.

Serious side effects of tetrabenazine

Along with its needed effects, tetrabenazine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tetrabenazine:

More common side effects

• body aches or pain
• chills
• cough
• difficulty in breathing
• difficulty with swallowing
• discouragement
• drowsiness
• ear congestion
• fear or nervousness
• feeling sad or empty
• fever
• headache
• inability to sit still
• irritability
• lack of appetite
• loss of balance control
• loss of interest or pleasure
• loss of voice
• mask-like face
• nasal congestion
• need to keep moving
• relaxed and calm
• restlessness
• runny nose
• shuffling walk
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• sleeplessness
• slow movement or reflexes
• slurred speech
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stiffness of arms and legs
• tic-like (jerky) movements of the head, face, mouth, and neck
• tiredness
• trembling and shaking of fingers and hands
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• trouble with balance
• unable to sleep
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

• burning while urinating
• changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
• cough producing mucus
• difficult or painful urination
• dizziness
• shortness of breath
• tightness in chest
• trouble in speaking
• trouble in walking
• wheezing

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking tetrabenazine:

Symptoms of overdose

• blurred vision
• diarrhea
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• fixed position of the eye
• inability to move eyes
• increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid
• mood or mental changes
• nausea and vomiting
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• shakiness in legs, arms, hands, or feet
• sticking out of tongue
• sweating
• trembling or shaking of hands or feet
• uncontrolled twisting movements of neck, trunk, arms, or legs
• unusual facial expressions

Other side effects of tetrabenazine

Some side effects of tetrabenazine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• bruising
• large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin

Less common side effects

• decreased appetite

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tetrabenazine: oral tablet.

Nervous system adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Any extrapyramidal event (33%), sedation/somnolence (31%), akathisia/hyperkinesia/restlessness (19%), parkinsonism (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Balance difficulty, dizziness, dysarthria, unsteady gait, headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Altered levels of consciousness
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Frequency not reported: Ataxia, dyskinetic seizure, dystonia, memory impairment, amnesia
• Postmarketing reports: Tremor^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (22%), fall (15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Head laceration
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperthermia
• Frequency not reported: Lassitude, hypothermia, weakness, lactation, irregular menstrual cycle^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (22%), depression (19%), anxiety/aggravated anxiety (15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Irritability, obsessive reaction, agitation, confusion
• Frequency not reported: Disorientation, feelings of unreality, nervousness, sleep disorders
• Postmarketing reports: Worsening aggression^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, dysphagia/choking attacks, constipation, diarrhea
• Frequency not reported: Dry mouth, epigastric pain, sialorrhea^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory tract infection (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Shortness of breath, bronchitis
• Frequency not reported: Bronchopneumonia
• Postmarketing reports: Pneumonia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension
• Frequency not reported: Hypertensive crisis, bradycardia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Ecchymosis
• Frequency not reported: Sweating
• Postmarketing reports: Hyperhidrosis, skin rash^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Dysuria^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Decreased appetite
• Frequency not reported: Anorexia, weight gain^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Severe extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., muscular rigidity, autonomic dysfunction)
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Skeletal muscle damage^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Leukopenia^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Oculogyric crisis, photophobia^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Austedo (deutetrabenazine) vs Xenazine (tetrabenazine): How do they compare?
• What's the MOA for Xenazine (tetrabenazine)?
• How long does it take for Xenazine (tetrabenazine) to work?

Further information

Tetrabenazine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

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