Drug Watch Deutetrabenazine

Deutrabenazine is indicated in the management of chorea associated with Huntington’s disease and in the treatment of Tardive dyskinesia in adults by US FDA. However, it should be used with a pinch of salt, as it can raise the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts with unusual behavioural abnormalities specially in patients with Huntington’s disease. The family history is an added risk factor and close monitoring is required and the molecule is contraindicated in this group of patients. In hepatic impairment it is also not recommended. It shouldn’t be used with Reserpine. A window period of 3 weeks after discontinuation of reserpine and 2 weeks for MAO inhibitors and tetrabenazine or valbenazine is recommended. Keyword : Deutetrabenazine, VMAT2 inhibitor, Huntington’s disease, Tardive dyskinesia.