How helpless is it to feel like you can't control your own body? Imagine, when you're talking, eating, or trying to sign a document, your face, limbs, or other parts of your body start twitching and twitching uncontrollably... This is a major disruption to your daily life and can even make you afraid to face society. In this article, we'll talk about a medicine that can help those who suffer from such uncontrolled movements.
The two main medical conditions that cause these uncontrolled movements are:
The drug Austedo is mainly used to treat two conditions. Let's take a look at what they are.
1. Chorea due to Huntington's disease: Although this may sound like a complicated name, in simple terms, it is a hereditary condition. In this, the nerve cells in the brain are gradually destroyed. This causes problems with thinking, controlling emotions, and body movements. We call this uncontrolled, sudden, twitching, jerking movements chorea .
2. Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): This is also a condition that causes uncontrollable repetitive movements (e.g., twitching, shaking) of the face (eyes, mouth), hands, feet, and other parts of the body. The main cause of this is a side effect of medications used for certain other conditions, especially antipsychotics.
How does Austedo work in the body?
Our brain is like a giant message center. It sends messages to the muscles in the body, such as "move" and "stop," via nerve cells. The chemical messengers that carry these messages are called neurotransmitters .
Think of these neurotransmitters as postmen. They carry letters (messages) from the brain to the muscles.
Dopamine is one such key messenger. In both the conditions Chorea and Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) mentioned above, these dopamine-like messengers send messages in excess or in an inappropriate manner. This means that the muscles receive too many unnecessary signals to "move, move." That's why the body starts twitching and twitching uncontrollably.
What Austedo does is control the amount of unnecessary messages being sent. That is, it helps reduce that 'traffic' a little and reduce unnecessary movements.
How should this medicine be used?
Austedo tablets come in two types.
- Regular pill: Your doctor may recommend taking this once or twice a day.
- Austedo XR: This is an 'Extended-Release' pill. This means that the medicine is released into the body over a period of hours. Therefore, it is usually taken once a day.
Your doctor will start you on a very low dose (starting dose) . Then, week by week, they will gradually increase the dose until you find the maintenance dose that best controls your symptoms. Therefore, it is very important to adjust your dose as your doctor tells you.
Keep these things in mind when taking medication:
- Austedo regular tablets should be taken with food. Austedo XR tablets can be taken with or without food.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
- If you take Austedo XR, you may notice that some of the tablet, like the remaining coating, is passed out in your stool after the medicine is completely absorbed. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure, ask your doctor.
How do you know if the medicine is working?
It's hard to expect results right away. It can take weeks to months for your uncontrolled movements to subside. It's important to be patient as your doctor will take some time to find the right dose for you.
If you feel like your symptoms are not improving or seem to be getting worse, be sure to talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to change your dosage or consider a different treatment.
Possible side effects and how to deal with them?
Like any medicine, Austedo can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. The table below lists some of the more common side effects and some simple ways to manage them.
| Side Effect | How to Manage? |
|---|---|
| Drowsiness, fatigue | Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how the medication affects you. |
| Diarrhea | To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids like water and juice. Eat foods like bananas, rice, and bread. If it's severe, tell your doctor. |
| Dry Mouth | Drink plenty of water regularly. Try to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help. |
| Trouble Sleeping | Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea in the evening. Keep a specific time to go to bed. Reduce the use of your phone and tablet before bed. |
| Nose or throat infections (such as a cold) | These usually resolve within a few days. Drinking warm fluids and getting rest may help. If symptoms are severe or persist, tell your doctor. |
Other drugs that are incompatible with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
This is a very important part. When taking Austedo, there are medications that should not be taken with it and that should be taken with extreme caution.
Medicines that should never be taken:
- MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors): These are a type of medication given for depression or Parkinson's disease.
- Reserpine: An old drug used for high blood pressure.
- Tetrabenazine and Valbenazine: These are also other medications used to treat movement disorders, like Austedo. Taking them together can increase the risk of serious side effects.
Medicines to be taken with caution:
- CYP2D6 inhibitors: This one is a bit more complicated. Simply put, taking Austedo with antidepressants like bupropion and fluoxetine, or heart rhythm medications like quinidine can increase the level of Austedo in your blood and increase your risk of side effects. If you're taking one of these medications, your doctor may lower your dose of Austedo.
- Antipsychotics (medicines for mental illness): When taken with Austedo, these may increase the risk of conditions such as parkinsonism, muscle stiffness (neuroleptic malignant syndrome), and restlessness (akathisia).
- Other medications that cause drowsiness and alcohol: Austedo can cause drowsiness. Therefore, taking it with allergy medications like Benadryl or other medications that cause drowsiness can increase drowsiness. Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking Austedo.
Therefore, it is essential to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking (including medications for other conditions, vitamins, and even traditional medicines).
Take-Home Message
- Austedo is a specific medication used to treat uncontrolled movements caused by Huntington's disease and Tardive Dyskinesia (TD).
- This medicine should only be taken on the advice of a doctor. Follow the dosage exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Avoid changing or stopping the dose yourself.
- Please be patient with the treatment as it may take several weeks or months to see results.
- It is very important to inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
- If severe side effects occur, symptoms worsen, or you have any problems with this medicine, talk to your doctor right away.
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