Austedo is a brand-name drug prescribed for certain movement disorders. The medication is available as an oral tablet called Austedo and an extended-release oral tablet called Austedo XR.

Austedo and Austedo XR are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following movement disorders in adults:

Note: This article mainly focuses on Austedo. However, the information presented here also applies to Austedo XR unless otherwise noted.

Drug details

Here is key information about Austedo.

  • Drug class: vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor
  • Drug forms: oral tablet (Austedo), extended-release oral tablet (Austedo XR)
  • Generic available? no
  • Prescription required? yes
  • Controlled substance? no
  • FDA approval: Austedo was approved in 2017, and Austedo XR was approved in 2023

“Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.

Austedo has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Austedo precautions” section later in this article.

If you have thoughts of suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number. In the United States, you can also call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

Austedo is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form. (A generic drug contains the same active ingredient as in its brand-name version.)

Austedo contains the active ingredient deutetrabenazine.

The Austedo or Austedo XR dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using the drug to treat
  • how well your body responds to the drug
  • if you have any side effects from this medication
  • other medications you may be taking
  • if you’re switching to this drug from a different medication
  • if you’re switching from Austedo to Austedo XR or vice versa

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

For more information, refer to this Austedo dosing guide.

Drug forms and strengths

Austedo comes as an oral tablet in three strengths:

  • 6 milligrams (mg)
  • 9 mg
  • 12 mg

Austedo XR comes as an extended-release oral tablet in eight strengths:

  • 6 mg
  • 12 mg
  • 18 mg
  • 24 mg
  • 30 mg
  • 36 mg
  • 42 mg
  • 48 mg

“Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.

Dosage for tardive dyskinesia

When treating tardive dyskinesia, your starting dosage of Austedo will likely be 6 mg twice daily. (This gives a total daily dose of 12 mg of Austedo.)

If you’re prescribed Austedo XR for this condition, your starting dosage will likely be 12 mg once daily.

Then your doctor will increase your dosage depending on how well your condition is improving with treatment. Your dosage will also depend on whether you’re having side effects from the drug.

The maximum recommended daily dose of Austedo or Austedo XR is 48 mg.

Dosage for chorea related to Huntington’s disease

When treating chorea related to Huntington’s disease, your starting dosage of Austedo will likely be 6 mg twice daily.

If you’re prescribed Austedo XR for this condition, your starting dosage will likely be 12 mg once daily.

Then your doctor will increase your dosage depending on how well your condition is improving with treatment. Your dosage will also depend on whether you’re having side effects from the drug.

The maximum recommended daily dose of Austedo or Austedo XR is 48 mg.

Switching between Austedo and Austedo XR

If your doctor recommends switching from Austedo to Austedo XR or vice versa for your condition, you’ll take the same total daily dose. But whether you take the dose once daily or divide the dose and take it twice daily depends on the form of Austedo you’re prescribed. For example, if you were taking 24 mg of Austedo twice daily, you would take 48 mg of Austedo XR once daily.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Austedo or Austedo XR, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. If that’s the case, just skip the missed dose and take your next regularly scheduled dose. Don’t take more than one dose of Austedo or Austedo XR at a time.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful, too.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Austedo and Austedo XR are meant to be used as long-term treatments. If you and your doctor determine that Austedo or Austedo XR is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Austedo can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Austedo. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of Austedo, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be bothersome.

The side effects discussed in this section were reported in clinical trials of Austedo. However, the side effects of Austedo XR are expected to be similar to those of Austedo.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to report to the FDA a side effect you’ve had with Austedo, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects of Austedo can include:

  • feeling sleepy or drowsy
  • diarrhea
  • dry mouth
  • fatigue
  • the common cold
  • difficulty sleeping
  • constipation
  • anxiety

This is a partial list of mild side effects from Austedo. To learn about less common mild side effects, visit Austedo’s prescribing information or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Austedo aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

  • QT prolongation (long QT syndrome), which is a type of atypical heart rhythm that can be very dangerous. Symptoms may include:
    • fainting
    • seizures
    • feeling fluttering in your chest
  • Increased level of prolactin, which is a hormone that stimulates the body to make breast milk. (This side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials of Austedo, but it has occurred with drugs that are very similar to Austedo. Because of this, the manufacturer of Austedo lists the side effect as a precaution for this drug.) Symptoms may include:
    • irregular periods
    • loss of libido
    • breast pain
    • infertility
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which is a condition that can occur when you’re using drugs that reduce dopamine levels in your body. (Dopamine is a brain chemical.) Symptoms of NMS can include:
    • high fever
    • difficulty thinking clearly
    • increased sweating
    • stiff muscles
    • very fast or irregular heart rate
  • Worsening symptoms of Huntington’s disease, when used to treat chorea associated with this condition.
  • Severe sedation and fatigue.
  • Feeling restless or being unable to stay still.

Other serious side effects, which are explained in more detail next in “Side effect details,” include:

Note: Austedo has a boxed warning from the FDA regarding the risk of depression and thoughts of suicide in people with Huntington’s disease. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Side effect details

You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug. Here’s some detail on several of the side effects this drug may cause.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Austedo can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear how often this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Austedo, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Parkinsonism

Austedo may cause parkinsonism in some people. With parkinsonism, you have symptoms that are similar to those caused by Parkinson’s disease. These symptoms include:

  • tremor (mild shakiness)
  • rigidity (body stiffness)
  • difficulty moving or keeping your balance
  • falling

It’s important to note that parkinsonism is also a possible symptom of Huntington’s disease, which is a condition that Austedo is used to help manage. (Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder that affects nerves in your brain.)

It’s unknown how many people taking Austedo have had parkinsonism. But this side effect has occurred in some people using the drug. Usually, this happens within the first 2 weeks of starting Austedo or after increasing the dose.

If you have symptoms of parkinsonism while you’re taking Austedo, talk with your doctor. They can recommend whether you need medical treatment. Your doctor may also lower your Austedo dosage or have you stop taking the drug if you develop parkinsonism.

Depression and thoughts of suicide

Austedo may increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and actions in people with Huntington’s disease. It’s important to note that people with Huntington’s disease already have an increased risk of depression.

In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires Austedo to have a boxed warning for increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts or actions. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA can require. It alerts patients and doctors about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Because of these risks, your doctor may not prescribe Austedo if you have depression that’s not fully treated or if you have had or are having suicidal thoughts.

If you have any changes in your mood, behavior, or thoughts while you’re taking Austedo, tell your doctor right away. These symptoms could mean that you have depression. If you develop depression or you have thoughts of suicide while using Austedo, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

As with all medications, the cost of Austedo or Austedo XR can vary.

The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Your insurance plan may require you to get prior authorization before approving coverage for Austedo or Austedo XR. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the request and let you and your doctor know whether your plan will cover Austedo.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Austedo, contact your insurance company.

For more details on Austedo and cost, see this Austedo price article.

Drug savings

You can explore saving options from the drug manufacturer. (For more options, see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section that follows.)

Discover more about Austedo

Austedo Cost
Austedo Interactions
Austedo Dosage
Austedo Side Effects

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Austedo or Austedo XR, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Teva, the manufacturer of Austedo, offers a program called Shared Solutions, which provides information on cost assistance for these drugs.

For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 800-887-8100. You can also visit the program website for people with tardive dyskinesia or the program website for people with chorea related to Huntington’s disease.

Generic version

Austedo and Austedo XR aren’t available in generic forms. A generic drug contains the same active ingredient as in its brand-name version. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Austedo, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.

Alternatives for tardive dyskinesia

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat tardive dyskinesia include:

Alternatives for chorea related to Huntington’s disease

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat chorea related to Huntington’s disease include:

You may wonder how Austedo compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Austedo and Ingrezza are alike and different.

Ingredients

Austedo contains the active ingredient deutetrabenazine, while Ingrezza contains the active ingredient valbenazine. Both medications belong to a class of drugs called vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors.

Uses

Both Austedo and Ingrezza are approved to treat the following conditions in adults:

  • Tardive dyskinesia: With tardive dyskinesia, you have involuntary, repetitive movements, especially in your face. This condition is related to using certain medications that affect chemicals in your brain.
  • Chorea related to Huntington’s disease: With chorea, you have jerking or twitching movements that are involuntary. This disorder has various causes. But these drugs are approved to treat chorea resulting from Huntington’s disease, a genetic condition that affects nerves in your brain.

Drug forms and administration

Austedo comes as an oral tablet that is taken twice daily. It also comes as an extended-release tablet called Austedo XR that is taken once daily. (“Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.)

Ingrezza comes as an oral capsule that is taken once daily. It also comes as an oral capsule containing sprinkles that is taken once daily. Ingrezza Sprinkle capsules can be swallowed whole or opened and mixed with a soft food such as applesauce or pudding. You should not mix the contents of the sprinkle capsules with liquids like juice or water.

Side effects and risks

Austedo and Ingrezza both contain active ingredients that belong to the same class of drugs. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects. Here are examples of these side effects.

Mild side effects

The following table lists more common mild side effects that can occur with each drug or with both Austedo and Ingrezza (when taken individually).

Mild side effectAustedoIngrezza
the common cold✓
headache✓
blurry vision✓
fatigue✓✓
diarrhea✓✓
changes in balance or problems keeping your balance✓✓
difficulty sleeping✓✓
feeling sleepy or drowsy✓✓
dry mouth✓✓
constipation✓✓

Serious side effects

The following table contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with both Austedo and Ingrezza (when taken individually).

Serious side effectAustedoIngrezza
QT prolongation (long QT syndrome), a type of atypical heart rhythm that can be very dangerous✓✓
severe sedation or fatigue✓✓
parkinsonism (movement-related symptoms that are similar to those caused by Parkinson’s disease)✓✓
neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a condition that’s caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain✓✓
feeling restless or being unable to stay still✓✓
depression and suicidal thoughts or actions in people with Huntington’s disease✓✓

Austedo and Ingrezza have a boxed warning from the FDA regarding the risk of depression and thoughts of suicide in people with Huntington’s disease. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Effectiveness

Austedo and Ingrezza are both used to treat tardive dyskinesia and chorea related to Huntington’s disease in adults.

These drugs haven’t been directly compared in clinical trials. But separate clinical trials have found Austedo and Ingrezza to be effective for treating the conditions they are approved for.

Costs

Austedo and Ingrezza are both brand-name drugs. There are currently no generic forms of either drug. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.

The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your prescribed dosage, your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Like Ingrezza (discussed in the previous section), other medications are also prescribed for uses similar to those of Austedo. Here we look at how Austedo and Xenazine are alike and different.

Ingredients

Austedo contains the active ingredient deutetrabenazine, while Xenazine contains the active ingredient tetrabenazine. Both medications belong to a class of drugs called vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors.

Uses

Both Austedo and Xenazine are approved for use in adults to treat chorea related to Huntington’s disease. With chorea, you have involuntary jerking or twitching movements. These movements can be caused by Huntington’s disease, which is a condition that affects nerves in your brain.

In addition, Austedo is also approved to treat tardive dyskinesia in adults. With tardive dyskinesia, you have involuntary, repetitive movements, especially in your face.

Drug forms and administration

Austedo comes as an oral tablet that is taken twice daily. It also comes as an extended-release tablet called Austedo XR that is taken once daily. (“Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.)

Xenazine comes as an oral tablet that is taken up to three times daily.

Side effects and risks

Austedo and Xenazine both belong to the same class of drugs. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects. Here are examples of these side effects.

Mild side effects

The following table lists more common mild side effects that can occur with each drug or with both Austedo and Xenazine (when taken individually).

Mild side effectAustedoXenazine
dry mouth✓
nausea✓
vomiting✓
difficulty keeping your balance✓✓
feeling sleepy or drowsy✓✓
diarrhea✓✓
fatigue✓✓
difficulty sleeping✓✓
anxiety✓✓
the common cold✓✓

Serious side effects

The table that follows contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with Xenazine or with both Xenazine and Austedo (when taken individually).

Serious side effectAustedoXenazine
reduced blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness or fainting✓
QT prolongation (long QT syndrome), a type of atypical heart rhythm that can be very dangerous✓✓
severe sedation or fatigue✓✓
parkinsonism (movement-related symptoms that are similar to those caused by Parkinson’s disease)✓✓
neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a condition that’s caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain✓✓
feeling restless or being unable to stay still✓✓
depression and suicidal thoughts or actions in people with Huntington’s disease✓✓

Austedo and Xenazine each have a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts or actions in people with Huntington’s disease. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Effectiveness

Austedo and Xenazine have different approved uses, but they’re both used in adults to treat chorea related to Huntington’s disease.

These drugs haven’t been directly compared in clinical trials. But separate clinical trials have found Austedo and Xenazine to be effective for treating chorea related to Huntington’s disease.

Costs

Austedo and Xenazine are brand-name drugs. There is currently no generic form of Austedo. A generic form of Xenazine, called tetrabenazine, is available. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.

The actual price you’ll pay for either Austedo or Xenazine depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Austedo to treat certain conditions. Austedo may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.

Austedo for tardive dyskinesia

Austedo is FDA-approved to treat tardive dyskinesia in adults. With this condition, you have involuntary, repetitive movements. These movements usually occur in your face, neck, and tongue. But the movements can also happen in your arms, legs, or other parts of your body.

Tardive dyskinesia is caused by using certain medications that block receptors (attachment sites) for the brain chemical dopamine. This causes dopamine to build up to atypically high levels around certain nerves in your body.

Examples of medications that may lead to tardive dyskinesia include:

  • drugs used to treat mood disorders, including schizophrenia or depression, such as:
  • metoclopramide (Reglan), which is a drug that’s commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting, and certain other digestive system problems

Austedo works to treat tardive dyskinesia by reducing dopamine levels and stopping dopamine from stimulating certain nerves in your brain.

Effectiveness for tardive dyskinesia

In clinical trials, Austedo was found to be effective in treating tardive dyskinesia. For information about these clinical trials, see Austedo’s prescribing information.

Austedo for chorea related to Huntington’s disease

Austedo is also FDA-approved for use in adults with chorea related to Huntington’s disease. With chorea, you have involuntary, jerking movements that usually occur in your shoulders, hips, and face.

These movements can be caused by Huntington’s disease, which is a genetic disease that causes nerve cells in your brain to break down. The disease can affect the function of your brain, as well as your ability to control movements.

Chorea may be caused by a buildup of the brain chemical dopamine around certain nerves in your body. Austedo works to treat chorea by reducing dopamine levels and stopping dopamine from stimulating certain nerves in your brain.

Effectiveness for chorea related to Huntington’s disease

In clinical trials, Austedo was found to be effective in treating chorea related to Huntington’s disease. For information about these clinical trials, see Austedo’s prescribing information.

Austedo for other conditions

In addition to the uses listed previously, you may wonder whether Austedo is used for certain other conditions. Here is information on one use for Austedo that’s currently being studied.

Austedo for Tourette syndrome (under study)

Austedo is not FDA-approved to treat Tourette syndrome. A studyTrusted Source suggests the drug may result in some improvement in tics and quality of life for children with this condition. However, more research is needed to determine whether Austedo is effective for treating Tourette syndrome.

If you’d like to know more about treatment options for Tourette syndrome, talk with your doctor.

You should take Austedo according to a doctor or healthcare professional’s instructions.

When to take

Austedo comes as an oral tablet, which you take by mouth twice daily. Austedo XR comes as an extended-release oral tablet, which you take by mouth once daily. (“Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.)

If you’re taking Austedo, try to take your doses about 12 hours apart. To do this, you could take your first dose in the morning and your second dose in the evening.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful, too.

Taking Austedo with food

You should take Austedo with food.

You can take Austedo XR with or without food.

Can Austedo be crushed, split, or chewed?

No, you shouldn’t crush, chew, or break Austedo or Austedo XR tablets. You should swallow them whole.

Austedo is approved to treat involuntary movements caused by:

The involuntary movements caused by these conditions occur when there’s a buildup of the brain chemical dopamine around certain nerves in the body. For more information on these conditions, see the “Austedo uses” section.

Austedo contains the active ingredient deutetrabenazine. It belongs to a class of drugs called vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors. Austedo works to reduce both chorea and tardive dyskinesia symptoms by decreasing the level of dopamine in your body. This stops dopamine from stimulating certain nerves and causing involuntary movements.

How long does it take to work?

You may notice Austedo starting to work for you after a few weeks of taking the drug.

In clinical trials, Austedo’s effectiveness in reducing involuntary movements caused by either chorea or tardive dyskinesia was measured using certain scoring systems. The scores took into account involuntary movements that occurred in people’s faces or other areas of their bodies.

People’s movements were measured 2 weeks after their first dose of Austedo. These scores were compared to scores that were recorded before treatment was started. After just 2 weeks of treatment, people’s symptom scores were already lowered.

And by the end of each 12-week trial, people’s symptom scores were lowered even further as their dosage of Austedo was increased.

Drinking alcohol while you’re using Austedo may increase your risk of feeling sleepy or drowsy. (These are also side effects of Austedo.) Because of this risk, you shouldn’t drink alcohol during treatment with either form of the drug.

If you have questions about the safety of drinking alcohol while using Austedo, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Austedo can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.

Austedo and other medications

The following information highlights medications that can interact with Austedo. These lists do not contain all drugs that may interact with Austedo.

Before taking Austedo, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Austedo and certain mood disorder drugs

Some drugs used to treat mood disorders can interact with Austedo. These interactions are described here. If you’re taking any of these drugs, be sure to talk with your doctor before starting Austedo.

Austedo and MAOIs

You should not use Austedo with drugs that belong to a class called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs are used to treat certain mood disorders, including depression.

Examples of MAOIs include:

  • rasagiline (Azilect)
  • selegiline (Zelapar)
  • isocarboxazid (Marplan)
  • phenelzine (Nardil)
  • tranylcypromine (Parnate)

If you take Austedo and an MAOI together, you may have dangerously high blood pressure.

If you have taken or are currently taking an MAOI, make sure you wait at least 14 days after you stop taking the MAOI before you start taking Austedo.

Austedo and mood disorder drugs that increase Austedo levels in your body

Some drugs that are used for mood disorders can increase the level of Austedo in your body. This may increase your risk of side effects from Austedo. Examples of these drugs include:

If you’re taking one of these drugs, your doctor may lower your dosage of Austedo to help you avoid increased side effects from Austedo.

Austedo and mood disorder drugs called dopamine antagonists or antipsychotics

Dopamine antagonists and certain antipsychotics may interact with Austedo. (Dopamine antagonists block the activity of dopamine, which is a chemical in your brain.)

Examples of these mood disorder drugs include:

  • chlorpromazine
  • haloperidol (Haldol)
  • thioridazine
  • ziprasidone (Geodon)

Some of these drugs may interfere with your heart’s electrical activity. Austedo also may affect your heart’s electrical activity. Taking these drugs with Austedo can increase your risk of QT prolongation (long QT syndrome). (QT prolongation is a type of atypical heart rhythm that can be dangerous.)

In addition, some of these drugs may increase the risk of feeling restless or being unable to stay still. The drugs may also increase the risk of parkinsonism and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). These risks are also increased by Austedo. Taking these drugs with Austedo may increase these side effects.

With parkinsonism, you have movement-related symptoms that are similar to those caused by Parkinson’s disease. NMS is a condition that can occur when you’re using drugs that reduce dopamine levels in your body. (Dopamine is a brain chemical.)

If you’re taking one of the drugs listed, your doctor may lower your dosage of Austedo to help you avoid prolonged QT interval and restlessness.

Austedo and certain antibiotics

Some antibiotics may interfere with your heart’s electrical activity. Austedo also may affect your heart’s electrical activity. Taking these drugs together can increase your risk of QT prolongation.

Examples of antibiotics that may affect your heart’s electrical activity include:

If you’re taking any of these antibiotics, be sure to talk with your doctor before starting Austedo.

Austedo and certain heart medications

Some drugs that are used to treat certain heart conditions may interfere with your heart’s electrical activity. Austedo also may affect your heart’s electrical activity. Taking these drugs together may increase your risk of QT prolongation.

Examples of certain heart medications that may affect your heart’s electrical activity include:

  • amiodarone (Pacerone)
  • sotalol (Betapace)
  • quinidine
  • procainamide

If you’re taking any of these drugs, be sure to talk with your doctor before starting Austedo.

Austedo and other drugs that are used for chorea or tardive dyskinesia

You shouldn’t take Austedo with other drugs that:

These drugs include tetrabenazine (Xenazine) and valbenazine (Ingrezza).

If you’re taking either of these drugs, be sure to talk with your doctor before starting Austedo.

Austedo and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Austedo. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Austedo.

Austedo and foods

There aren’t any foods that have specifically been reported to interact with Austedo.

There’s not enough information available to know whether it’s safe to use Austedo during pregnancy. In fact, there haven’t been any studies of this drug during pregnancy.

In animal studies, Austedo increased the risk of stillbirth and newborn deaths due to fetal exposure to the drug. But keep in mind that animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in people.

If you’re pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, talk with your doctor about taking Austedo. They can discuss with you other treatment options that may be safer when used during pregnancy.

It’s unknown whether Austedo is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using either of these drugs.

It’s unknown whether it’s safe to take Austedo while you’re breastfeeding. There haven’t been any studies done of people taking Austedo while breastfeeding. And there also haven’t been any studies done in lactating animals. Because of this, it’s not known whether Austedo passes into breast milk or what effect these drugs may have on a child who’s breastfed.

If you’re breastfeeding or considering breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking Austedo. They can recommend other treatment options that may be safer to use while you’re breastfeeding. Or they may recommend safe and healthy alternatives for feeding your child.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Austedo.

Will Austedo cure my condition?

No, Austedo is approved to treat two conditions, but it won’t cure them. These conditions are:

  • Tardive dyskinesia: With tardive dyskinesia, you have involuntary, repetitive movements, especially in your face. This condition is related to using certain medications that block dopamine receptors (attachment sites). This leads to dopamine building up around certain nerves in your body.
  • Chorea related to Huntington’s disease: With chorea, you have jerking or twitching movements that are involuntary. This condition is a symptom of Huntington’s disease, which is a genetic disease that causes the breakdown of nerve cells in your brain. Chorea may be caused by a buildup of the brain chemical dopamine around certain nerves in your body.

Austedo works to treat these conditions by reducing the level of dopamine in your body. This stops dopamine from stimulating certain nerves and causing involuntary movements.

So while Austedo will improve chorea and tardive dyskinesia symptoms, the drug doesn’t cure the root cause of these conditions. To learn more about the cause of tardive dyskinesia and chorea related to Huntington’s disease, see the “Austedo uses” section.

If you have questions about what you can expect from treatment with Austedo, talk with your doctor.

If I’m taking an antipsychotic, can I keep taking it while I’m using Austedo?

It depends. Certain antipsychotic drugs should not be taken with Austedo because doing so may cause some dangerous side effects. These side effects include conditions such as QT prolongation (long QT syndrome). QT prolongation is a type of irregular heart rhythm.

Examples of antipsychotics that can increase the risk of QT prolongation if taken with Austedo include:

Other drugs used to treat mood disorders that may also increase the risk of QT prolongation if taken with Austedo include:

For information about other drugs that may not be safe to use with Austedo, see the “Austedo interactions” section. And be sure to talk with your doctor about all medications you’re using before you start taking Austedo. They can recommend whether it’s safe to take Austedo with certain other drugs.

Will I have withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking Austedo?

No, you won’t have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Austedo. (Withdrawal symptoms can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent upon. With drug dependence, your body needs the drug to feel like it usually does.)

However, the condition that you were using Austedo to treat may return. If that happens, you may have increased symptoms of that condition.

Is it safe for older adults to take Austedo?

It’s unknown whether older adults respond differently than younger adults to Austedo. This is because clinical trials that looked at the safety and effectiveness of Austedo didn’t include very many people who were ages 65 years and older.

If you’re age 65 years or older and you’d like to use Austedo, talk with your doctor. If they recommend that you use Austedo, they’ll likely have you start taking a very low dosage. This helps them ensure that you’re doing well on the drug before they increase your dosage.

This drug comes with several precautions.

FDA warning: Risk of depression and suicide

This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Austedo can increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts or actions in people with Huntington’s disease. (Huntington’s disease is a genetic condition that affects nerves in your brain.) This risk is increased in people who have a history of depression and in people who’ve attempted suicide in the past. Because of these risks, your doctor may not prescribe Austedo if you have depression that’s not fully treated or if you have had or are experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Other precautions

Before taking Austedo, talk with your doctor about your health history. Austedo may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

QT prolongation: Austedo may affect your heart’s electrical signaling and cause a condition called QT prolongation (long QT syndrome). This condition can cause an irregular heart rhythm. If you already have certain heart problems, such as an irregular heart rhythm, Austedo may worsen your condition. In addition, taking certain medications with Austedo may also cause new or worsening problems with your heart rhythm.

Long QT syndrome often doesn’t have any symptoms, but sometimes it can be very dangerous. Your doctor will monitor your heart’s electrical activity during Austedo treatment if you have a history of long QT syndrome or if you have symptoms of an irregular heart rhythm.

Liver problems: Your doctor likely won’t prescribe Austedo if you have a liver problem, such as cirrhosis. Your body depends on the liver to break down Austedo after you take a dose. If you have a liver problem, your body may not break down Austedo as well as it should. This can increase your risk of side effects that Austedo may cause, which could be severe.

Low blood potassium or magnesium level: If you have a low blood potassium or low blood magnesium level, you may have a higher risk of long QT syndrome as a side effect of Austedo. Your doctor can discuss whether Austedo is safe for you to take. They may want to treat your low blood potassium or magnesium level first before prescribing Austedo.

Pregnancy: There’s not enough information available to know whether it’s safe to use Austedo during pregnancy. To learn more, see the “Austedo and pregnancy” section.

Breastfeeding: It’s unknown whether Austedo is safe to take while breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Austedo and breastfeeding” section.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Austedo, see the “Austedo side effects” section.

Using more than the recommended dosage of Austedo or Austedo XR can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more of either drug than your doctor recommends.

Overdose symptoms

The manufacturer of Austedo and Austedo XR has not reported overdose symptoms for either drug. However, overdose symptoms for these drugs are likely to resemble those of a similar drug, tetrabenazine (Xenazine). These overdose symptoms include:

  • nausea or vomiting
  • involuntary muscle spasms
  • your eyes rolling upward and back
  • sweating
  • tiredness
  • low blood pressure
  • confusion
  • diarrhea
  • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there)
  • tremors
  • skin discoloration

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or visit its website. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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