Xenazine Side Effects
Generic name: tetrabenazine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 25, 2023.
Note: This document contains side effect information about tetrabenazine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Xenazine.
Applies to tetrabenazine: oral tablet.
Warning
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 Xenazine
Along with its needed effects, tetrabenazine (the active ingredient contained in Xenazine) 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
- 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
- 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 Xenazine
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
- Bruising
- large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin
Less common
- Decreased appetite
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to tetrabenazine: oral tablet.
Nervous system
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
- What's the difference between deutetrabenazine and tetrabenazine?
- How long does it take for Xenazine (tetrabenazine) to work?
- What's the mechanism of action for Xenazine (tetrabenazine)?
More about Xenazine (tetrabenazine)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (2)
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: VMAT2 inhibitors
- En español
Patient resources
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. Product Information. Xenazine (tetrabenazine). Prestwick Pharmaceuticals Inc. 2008.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.