Have you ever noticed your hands, feet, or face making sudden movements that you cannot control? This can feel frustrating and confusing when it happens in your daily life. Sometimes, taking certain medicines for a long time or dealing with specific nerve conditions can cause these uncontrolled movements. Today, we will look closely at valbenazine, a prescription medicine designed to help manage these exact symptoms and bring you relief.
Understanding your treatment is the first step toward feeling more comfortable and in control every single day. Let us explore what valbenazine is, how it works in your body, and what you need to know before starting your prescription.
Key Takeaways About Valbenazine.
- Primary Purpose: Valbenazine treats involuntary muscle movements caused by a condition called tardive dyskinesia.
- How You Take It: It comes as oral capsules that you swallow with a glass of water, with or without food.
- Important Safety: Always share your complete medical history and current list of medicines with your doctor before starting.
- Regular Checks: Your doctor will monitor your progress and check for common side effects like drowsiness or dry mouth.
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What Is Valbenazine and How Does It Work?
Simply put, valbenazine is a prescription medicine given to treat uncontrolled, involuntary body movements. These movements are often linked to a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. You might notice symptoms like lip smacking, sticking your tongue out, blinking your eyes constantly, or jerky movements in your arms and legs. Valbenazine helps calm these nervous system signals to reduce these movements and help you feel more at ease. It is commonly known by the brand name INGREZZA.
Your doctor might sometimes prescribe this medicine for other medical reasons not listed here. If you have any questions about why you are taking this capsule, always ask your doctor or pharmacist for clear guidance.
What to Tell Your Doctor Before Starting This Medicine.
Sharing your complete health background with your doctor is a vital safety step. Before you take your first dose of valbenazine, let your doctor know if you have any of the following health conditions:
- Heart disease or a history of heart problems.
- An irregular heartbeat or rhythm issues in the past.
- A habit of drinking alcohol regularly.
- Liver disease or reduced liver function.
- Parkinson disease or related movement disorders.
- Past allergic reactions to valbenazine, other medicines, foods, or dyes.
- Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant in the near future.
- Breastfeeding or plans to nurse your baby.
Providing these details allows your doctor to decide if valbenazine is safe and right for your specific health needs.
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Valbenazine is supplied as oral capsules that you swallow whole. Follow these simple rules to ensure safe and effective use:
- Swallow each capsule with a full glass of water.
- Follow the instructions on your prescription label exactly as written by your doctor.
- You can take this capsule with food or on an empty stomach, whichever you prefer.
- Take your dose at the exact same time every day to keep a steady level in your body.
- Never change your dose or stop taking the medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor first.
If you are giving this medicine to a child, follow your pediatrician's exact dosing and safety instructions closely.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose.
Missing a dose can happen to anyone during a busy week. If you forget to take your valbenazine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose entirely. Simply continue with your normal routine by taking your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten pill, as this can be dangerous.
If you miss multiple doses in a row, call your doctor right away for advice on how to restart safely.
What to Do in Case of an Overdose.
If you believe you have taken more valbenazine than prescribed, take immediate action. Call your local emergency services, contact 911 (US/Canada) or 999 (UK), or go straight to the nearest emergency room. You can also reach out to your local poison control center right away for expert guidance.
⚠️ Emergency Red Flags.
Call 911, 999, or go to the nearest emergency department right away if you experience severe chest pain, sudden breathing difficulties, fainting, severe dizziness, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.
This medicine is prescribed exclusively for you. Never share your valbenazine capsules with anyone else, even if they show similar symptoms.
Other Things That Can Interact With Valbenazine.
Some medicines and substances can interact with valbenazine and cause unwanted effects. You should never take valbenazine with the following medicines:
- Deutetrabenazine .
- Tetrabenazine .
also, tell your doctor if you use alcohol or take any of the following products:
- Alcoholic drinks of any kind.
- Fungal infection treatments like ketoconazole or itraconazole.
- Seizure medicines such as carbamazepine or phenytoin.
- Clarithromycin, an antibiotic medicine.
- Digoxin, used for heart conditions.
- Fluoxetine or paroxetine, used for depression.
- MAOI medicines like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate.
- Sleep aids or medicines that make you drowsy.
- Quinidine, used for heart rhythm issues.
- Rifampin, an antibiotic for tuberculosis.
- St. John's Wort, an herbal supplement.
Give your doctor a complete list of all your prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, and dietary products. Mention if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational substances.
Things to Watch Out For While Taking Valbenazine.
Keep these practical tips in mind to protect your health and get the best results from your treatment:
- Attend all scheduled doctor appointments to review your health and symptom progress.
- Watch out for daytime drowsiness or dizziness until you know how the medicine affects your body.
- Avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing dangerous tasks until you feel fully alert.
- Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to prevent lightheadedness, especially if you are an older adult.
- Limit or avoid alcohol, as it can worsen drowsiness and interfere with your treatment.
- Drink plenty of water and eat high-fiber foods to prevent constipation, and call your doctor if you do not have a bowel movement for three days.
- Suck on sugar-free candy or chew sugar-free gum if you experience a dry mouth.
| Do's. | Don'ts. |
|---|---|
| Take your capsule at the same time every day with water. | Never double your dose if you miss a scheduled pill. |
| Report new or worsening side effects to your doctor promptly. | Do not stop taking valbenazine suddenly without medical advice. |
| Keep a complete list of all your medicines to share with care teams. | Never share your prescription medicine with friends or family. |
Possible Side Effects of Valbenazine.
Like all prescription medicines, valbenazine can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Knowing what to watch for helps you stay safe.
Side Effects That Need Prompt Medical Attention.
Contact your doctor right away if you notice any of these serious signs:
- Allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching, hives, or swelling of your face, lips, and tongue.
- Loss of balance, trouble walking smoothly, or frequent accidental falls.
- Feelings of inner restlessness, pacing, or an inability to sit still.
- Signs of heart rhythm changes, including chest pain, dizziness, fast heartbeat, palpitations, or feeling faint.
- Signs of high blood sugar, such as extreme thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, fruity breath, or nausea.
- Sudden worsening of uncontrollable body movements.
Common Side Effects to Discuss If They Continue.
These mild side effects are usually not dangerous, but let your doctor know if they bother you or do not go away:
- Constipation or infrequent bowel movements.
- Drowsiness or feeling sleepy during the day.
- Dry mouth and mild thirst.
- Mild headaches.
- Mild nausea or upset stomach.
This list does not cover every possible side effect. If you feel unwell or notice unusual changes, speak with your doctor.
How to Store Valbenazine Safely.
Proper storage keeps your medicine effective and safe for use:
- Keep your capsules in a secure spot completely out of the reach of children and pets.
- Store the bottle at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
- Protect the medicine from excess heat and moisture.
- Safely discard any expired medicines or capsules you no longer need.
💡 Take-Home Message.
Valbenazine is a valuable prescription medicine used to manage tardive dyskinesia and reduce involuntary body movements. Always use this medicine strictly under your doctor's guidance. If you ever have questions, notice new symptoms, or feel unsure about your dose, contact your medical team right away. Stay proactive in your care and take charge of your health journey.
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