Sometimes, there are diseases where we can't control our limbs or facial muscles , and things like that move involuntarily. Imagine, your eyes twitch, your mouth twitches, or your limbs twitch without you knowing it. Two such conditions are `Tardive Dyskinesia` and `Huntington's` disease. So, a special medicine that doctors prescribe to control such uncontrolled movements is `Deutetrabenazine`. Today, we will talk about this medicine in detail.
What is Deutetrabenazine?
Simply put, this is a medication that helps control involuntary, involuntary movements in your body. This medication is mainly used for two conditions:
1. Tardive Dyskinesia: This is a condition that usually occurs in people who have been taking medication for certain mental illnesses for a long time. In this condition, parts of the body such as the face, tongue, lips, and limbs move uncontrollably.
2. Huntington 's Disease: Also known as `Huntington's chorea`, this is a genetic condition that affects the brain. It also causes uncontrolled jerking movements of the body.
Deutetrabenazine works by changing the activity of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, helping to reduce these unwanted movements. In Sri Lanka, you may find this medicine under the brand name Austedo.
What should I tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
It is very important to discuss your complete health history with your doctor before starting this medication. You should especially mention any of the following conditions:
| Your situation | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Having heart disease or an abnormal heartbeat pattern | This medication can sometimes affect the heart rhythm, so it can be risky if you already have heart disease. |
| Liver diseases | Since the liver is important in the process of removing medication from the body, the dosage of medication may need to be changed if you have liver disease. |
| Having mental illness, depression, or suicidal thoughts | This is very important. This medicine may change the mental state of some people or cause suicidal thoughts. |
| Having a history of breast cancer | It is important to be aware of this, as it can affect some hormone levels. |
| Trying to get pregnant, being pregnant, or breastfeeding | Since there is still no complete data on whether this medicine will affect the baby, it is essential to discuss it with your doctor. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | If you are allergic to Deutetrabenazine, Tetrabenazine, or anything else, it is important to tell your doctor. |
How should I use this medicine?
The most important thing is to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
- Take with food: This medicine is better absorbed by the body when taken with a meal.
- Swallow the tablet whole: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Never break, crush, or chew the tablet. Doing so may change the way the medicine works.
- Take it on time: Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day. Do not take more doses than your doctor tells you to.
- Do not stop suddenly: Avoid stopping this medication suddenly without medical advice.
Important: You may receive a special information leaflet (`MedGuide`) from the pharmacy when you are given this medicine. Read it carefully each time. It contains important information about this medicine.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, take immediate action. Call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with the medication (Drug Interactions)
This is a very important part. Deutetrabenazine can interact with some other medications. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Medicines that should never be taken with Deutetrabenazine | |
|---|---|
| |
| Type of medicine / substance | What to pay special attention to |
| Alcohol | Drowsiness and dizziness may be increased. |
| Medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses | Drowsiness and mood swings may increase. |
| Insomnia medication | May cause excessive sleepiness. |
| Some medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines) | These can also increase drowsiness. |
| Other medications that affect heart rate (QT interval prolonging drugs) | Increases the risk of dangerous changes in heart rhythm. |
This list is not complete, so it is very important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking.
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medicine, Deutetrabenazine can cause side effects . Some are minor, while others require immediate attention.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Mental changes | Increased depression, frustration with life, or suicidal thoughts . |
| Changes in heart rhythm | Chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, feeling like your heart is beating fast. |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) | Very high fever, profuse sweating, muscle stiffness, confusion, and irregular heartbeat. This is a very dangerous condition. |
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Other | Loss of body balance, difficulty walking, restlessness, tremors. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if bothersome | |
| Common things that can happen | Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, insomnia, loose stools or constipation. |
Other things to consider when taking the medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Changing positions: Standing or sitting suddenly can cause dizziness and falling. So change positions slowly.
- Dry mouth: If your mouth is dry, chewing sugar-free gum and drinking more water can help.
Take-Home Message
- `Deutetrabenazine` is a medicine that should be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Take the prescribed dose and at the prescribed time as prescribed by the doctor.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
- If you experience any mood changes, depressive symptoms, or thoughts of suicide while taking this medicine, tell your doctor or a family member immediately.
- Since the medication may cause drowsiness, avoid driving and other activities that require alertness until you know how it affects you.
- Do not stop taking the medication or change the dosage for any reason without consulting your doctor.
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