Do you sometimes feel like your arm, leg, or facial expression is moving in an uncontrollable way? This can be really disturbing. These uncontrolled movements can occur when certain medications are used for a long time, or with other neurological conditions. Today we are going to talk about a drug called Valbenazine, which is used to treat such a condition.
What kind of medicine is this? What is Valbenazine?
Simply put, Valbenazine is a medication that is used to control involuntary movements caused by a condition called Tardive Dyskinesia. For example, some people may experience lip smacking, tongue sticking out, eye rolling, or jerking of the limbs. These are the symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia. So this medication works by reducing these movements and providing some relief. This medication also comes under the brand name INGREZZA.
This medicine may also be used by doctors for other conditions, so if you have any further questions about this, it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before starting this medication?
This is very important. Before you start taking Valbenazine, you should tell your doctor about your health history. Be sure to tell him/her about the following:
- If you have heart disease (e.g., heart failure).
- If you have had an irregular heartbeat in the past.
- If you are a regular drinker .
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have Parkinson's disease .
- If you have had an allergic reaction to Valbenazine, other medicines, foods, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
When you tell the doctor all this information, he can decide exactly whether this medicine is right for you or not, and how to give it.
How do you use this medicine correctly?
This medicine is given to you in the form of capsules that you take by mouth.
- You should drink this with a glass of water.
- Follow the prescription label exactly as your doctor gives you.
- You can take this with or without food. There's no big deal about it.
- The most important thing is to take the correct dose at the correct time. Do not take more than the doctor tells you to.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause other problems.
If you give this medicine to children, you need to take special care. The doctor will tell you about it.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Oh, that's possible, isn't it? If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose. That can be dangerous.
What if I take too much medicine?
If this happens, that is, if you think you have taken more medicine than you thought, immediately call the nearest hospital emergency room or poison control center.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
This is also a very important point. There are some medications that can cause problems when taken with Valbenazine.
Do not take Valbenazine with these medications:
- Deutetrabenazine `(Deutetrabenazine)`
- Tetrabenazine `(Tetrabenazine)`
Also, Valbenazine may interact with the following. So if you are using these, be sure to tell your doctor:
- Alcohol
- Some medications for fungal infections (e.g., Ketoconazole, Itraconazole)
- Some medications used to treat seizure-like conditions (e.g., Carbamazepine, Phenytoin)
- Clarithromycin (this is an antibiotic)
- Digoxin (a medicine for heart disease)
- Fluoxetine (a medicine for depression)
- MAOI medications (e.g. `Carbex`, `Eldepryl`, `Marplan`, `Nardil`, `Parnate` - these are commonly prescribed medications for mental illness)
- Sleeping pills
- Paroxetine (a medicine for depression)
- Quinidine (a medicine used for heart rhythm problems)
- Rifampin (an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis)
- St. John's Wort (this is an herbal remedy used by some people)
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamin, dietary supplements), as well as if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some things can interact with your medications.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
When taking Valbenazine, consider these things to ensure your safety and get the most out of the medication:
- See your doctor regularly for regular checkups. Tell your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse or better.
- You may feel drowsy or dizzy. So be careful not to drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires concentration until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Avoid getting up from a standing or sitting position suddenly, especially if you are elderly. Doing so can reduce the risk of dizziness and falling.
- Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication, so ask your doctor or pharmacist before drinking alcohol.
- This medicine may cause constipation. Check to see if you have a bowel movement every two to three days. If you have not had a bowel movement in three days, call your doctor.
- Dry mouth may occur. This can be reduced by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking plenty of water. If this problem persists or is severe, tell your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Valbenazine can cause side effects in some people. Not everyone gets them, but it's good to be aware of them.
Side effects that you should tell your doctor immediately:
If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue.
- Loss of balance, coordination problems, falls.
- Restlessness, pacing, inability to sit still.
- Signs of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm: chest pain, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, feeling faint or lightheaded, falls, breathing problems.
- Signs of high blood sugar: dizziness, dry mouth, dry skin, fruity breath, nausea, stomach pain, increased hunger or thirst, increased urination.
- If uncontrollable body movements increase.
Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or become bothersome:
Although these are not very dangerous, if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor:
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, tell your doctor.
How do you store the medicine?
It is also important to store these medicine capsules properly.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature, which means between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Do not use expired medications. Throw them away.
Finally, remember (Take-Home Message)
So, Valbenazine is an important medicine for the treatment of Tardive Dyskinesia. Remember, this medicine should be used only as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, concerns, or new symptoms, don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
In this article, we have only discussed some general facts about Valbenazine. It does not affect everyone the same. Therefore, only your doctor can give you the right advice for your condition. Never share the medicine prescribed to you with anyone else.
Wishing you good health!
` Valbenazine, Tardive Dyskinesia, involuntary movements, INGREZZA, medication side effects, drug interactions, Tardive Dyskinesia
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