Tetrabenazine helps relieve symptoms of diseases causing jerky, irregular, uncontrollable movements.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Tetrabenazine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- untreated depression
- presently having thoughts of self-harm
- heart rhythm problems including history of irregular heartbeat
- breast cancer or hormone-related cancer
as Tetrabenazine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- Parkinson’s disease (a disorder that affects the movement of a person)
- low blood pressure
- history of depression or suicidal ideation
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Some genetic traits (CYP2D6) can affect an individual’s response to Tetrabenazine. Your doctor may perform genetic testing before giving you this medicine to know if it is suitable for you.
Tetrabenazine may cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. Do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, confusion, difficulty sleeping and anxiety.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- involuntary muscle movements
- irregular or fast heartbeat, high fever, muscle rigidity, difficulty breathing
- having thoughts of self-harm
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Tetrabenazine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- reserpine (medicine for high blood pressure)
- medicines for mood disorder e.g. chlorpromazine, thioridazine, haloperidol, olanzapine, risperidone
- certain antibiotics e.g. gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin
- medicines for heart diseases e.g. quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. metoprolol
- medicines for depression e.g. fluoxetine, paroxetine
- terbinafine (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- metoclopramide (medicine for nausea and vomiting)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Tetrabenazine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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