Deutetrabenazine XR
AUSTEDO XR
Pronunciation: du-tet-ra-BEN-a-zeen (aw-STED-oe)
“Dueling tetris bins Oust TD”
“Duel” purpose: Huntington’s and TD
involuntary tongue movements suggestive of TD
QT prolongation
What it isExtended-release deutetrabenazine tablets (AUSTEDO XR, 2023) taken once daily for chorea of Huntington disease and for tardive dyskinesia — the same deuterated VMAT2 inhibitor as AUSTEDO, in a tablet that releases over the day so the twice-daily schedule becomes one dose.
Why this onePatients on AUSTEDO switch at the same total daily dose; tablets are swallowed whole. Deuteration slows CYP2D6 metabolism of the active metabolites, which is what gives deutetrabenazine steadier levels than tetrabenazine.
What limits itBoxed warning: depression and suicidality in Huntington disease. Dose is capped with strong CYP2D6 inhibitors and in poor metabolizers; sedation, QT prolongation at higher exposure, parkinsonism, akathisia.
FDA-approved for
- Huntington chorea (2023)
- tardive dyskinesia (2023)
⚠ BOXED WARNING
- Depression and suicidality in Huntington disease
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryNot assigned — PLLR-era drug
Defining liabilityGenerally tolerated at therapeutic doses; clinically important risks are agent-specific and increase with interactions or organ impairment.
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