Deutetrabenazine - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

• Patients should be reassessed at regular intervals for the effect of the medication on chorea and the appearance of some expected adverse effects such as sedation, Parkinsonism , akathisia (strong urge to move), restlessness or decline in cognitive function.‍​‍‍‍​‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍​‍ In patients with such adverse effects, the dose of deutetrabenazine can either be reduced or the drug can be discontinued. • The risk of suicidal ideation is a possibility with deutetrabenazine therapy. Patients and caregivers should be instructed to report to the physician in case of abnormal behavior. • Monitoring of serum prolactin levels should be carried out regularly to detect hyperprolactinemia. • Regular ophthalmologic monitoring is advised rule out the possibility of eye damage after long-term exposure. • Care should be taken in patients with cardiac illness as deutetrabenazine may lead to prolongation of QT interval resulting in cardiac emergencies. • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) has been observed with tetrabenazine therapy and patients on deutetrabenazine also should be advised to recognize the symptoms and signs of NMS such as high fever, altered mental function, and rigidity of muscles. If any of the symptoms are observed, the patient should report to the physician immediately.