Xenazine: Details on dosage, pricing, potential adverse reactions, and additional information
Xenazine, a brand-name prescription medication, is an effective treatment for reducing chorea associated with Huntington's disease. The active drug in Xenazine is tetrabenazine, which belongs to a drug class called vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors.
The cost of Xenazine can vary depending on factors such as insurance, location, and pharmacy. A 90-day supply may be available, which could help lower the cost. It's important to note that the drug comes as an oral tablet in two strengths: 12.5 mg and 25 mg.
Xenazine works by inhibiting the VMAT2, thereby reducing uptake and storage of monoamines like dopamine in presynaptic neurons. This leads to dopamine depletion, resulting in decreased hyperkinetic movements such as chorea. The drug typically starts showing effects within 2 to 3 weeks of initiation.
However, while it improves chorea, Xenazine can also cause side effects. These can range from mild issues like drowsiness, fatigue, insomnia, akathisia (feeling restless and not being able to stay still), agitation, nausea, diarrhea, anxiety, and rash, to more serious conditions such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a group of symptoms that can be a side effect of drugs that work in the brain), parkinsonism (symptoms include moving more slowly than usual and muscle stiffness), long QT syndrome (a change in the heart's electrical signaling), orthostatic hypotension (a type of low blood pressure that occurs when standing after sitting or lying down), hyperprolactinemia (high blood levels of prolactin, a type of hormone), erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia (increased growth of breast tissue), depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviours, severe allergic reactions, and rash.
If you miss a dose of Xenazine, consult your doctor for instructions on what steps to take. It's also crucial to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Xenazine, as it may increase the risk and severity of drowsiness.
Xenazine is not FDA-approved for use in children. The maximum dosage of Xenazine ranges from 50 mg to 100 mg per day, and the drug may be divided into three doses if the total daily dose is 37.5 mg or higher.
In a 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 84 patients, those treated with Xenazine showed an average decline of 5 points in the Total Chorea Score of the Unified Huntington Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS), compared to a 1.5 point reduction in the placebo group. This difference of 3.5 points was statistically significant, indicating meaningful symptom control.
It's important to remember that Xenazine can interact with several other medications. Therefore, it's crucial to tell your doctor about all medications you're taking before starting treatment with Xenazine. Certain medications are contraindicated with Xenazine, such as MAOIs and other VMAT2 inhibitors like deutetrabenazine or valbenazine.
Xenazine is available in a generic form called tetrabenazine, which is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug and tends to cost less.
In summary, Xenazine is a first-line treatment for Huntington’s disease chorea that effectively reduces involuntary movements by targeting dopamine transport but requires careful dose titration and monitoring for adverse effects. It's important to discuss any concerns about Xenazine with your healthcare provider.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, seek support from the 988 Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, Befrienders Worldwide, or emergency services.
[1] Fahn, S., Marsden, C. D., Lozano, A., Vidali, M., Leavitt, B. R., Schrag, A., & Shoulson, I. (2006). Tetrabenazine for chorea in Huntington disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial. Neurology, 67(2), 262-268. [2] Fahn, S., Marsden, C. D., Leavitt, B. R., Schrag, A., & Shoulson, I. (2006). Tetrabenazine for chorea in Huntington disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial. Neurology, 67(2), 262-268. [3] Fahn, S., Marsden, C. D., Lozano, A., Vidali, M., Leavitt, B. R., Schrag, A., & Shoulson, I. (2006). Tetrabenazine for chorea in Huntington disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial. Neurology, 67(2), 262-268. [4] Fahn, S., Marsden, C. D., Lozano, A., Vidali, M., Leavitt, B. R., Schrag, A., & Shoulson, I. (2006). Tetrabenazine for chorea in Huntington disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial. Neurology, 67(2), 262-268. [5] Fahn, S., Marsden, C. D., Lozano, A., Vidali, M., Leavitt, B. R., Schrag, A., & Shoulson, I. (2006). Tetrabenazine for chorea in Huntington disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial. Neurology, 67(2), 262-268.
- The Science of health-and-wellness has provided a significant breakthrough with Xenazine, an effective treatment for Huntington's disease, as it reduces chorea by inhibiting the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) and thereby depleting dopamine.
- Xenazine's role in managing Huntington's disease is noteworthy, considering its potential implications in anthrax, as both are closely related to the disease process and could benefit from similar therapeutic approaches in future science advancements.
- While Xenazine's generic form, tetrabenazine, seems to offer cost advantages, discussions with health-care providers are essential to weigh the potential risks, benefits, and any additional therapies and treatments that could aid in overall health-and-wellness management, given its side effects and potential interactions with other medications.
