Xenazine: A Comprehensive Guide Xenazine (tetrabenazine) is a medication used to treat involuntary movements associated with Huntington's disease or tardive dyskinesia. This medication is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor that helps reduce the activity of dopamine in the brain, which is responsible for involuntary movements. Uses: Xenazine is primarily used to treat Huntington's disease and tardive dyskinesia. Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder that affects the brain and gradually causes the person to lose control of their body. Xenazine is used to manage Huntington's disease by reducing the involuntary movements, which can help improve the quality of life for patients. Tardive dyskinesia, on the other hand, is a movement disorder that develops as a side effect of long-term use of certain medications, such as antipsychotic drugs. This disorder causes repetitive, involuntary movements of the face, tongue, and other parts of the body. Xenazine is used to manage tardive dyskinesia by reducing the severity of the involuntary movements. Dosage: The dosage of Xenazine will depend on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment. It is usually taken by mouth, with or without food, as directed by the healthcare provider. The usual starting dose for managing Huntington's disease is 12.5 milligrams twice daily, which can gradually be increased up to 50 milligrams three times daily. For treating tardive dyskinesia, the starting dose is 12.5 milligrams twice daily, which can be increased to 50 milligrams three times daily. Demographic: Xenazine is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adult patients with Huntington's disease and tardive dyskinesia. According to a study published in the Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, Huntington's disease affects approximately 5-10 in 100,000 individuals worldwide. Similarly, tardive dyskinesia occurs in about 20-30% of patients treated long-term with antipsychotic medications. Side Effects: Like any medication, Xenazine can cause side effects. Some common side effects of Xenazine include drowsiness, dizziness, depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Other side effects may include Parkinsonism, hallucinations, and suicidal ideation. Patients who experience side effects should notify their healthcare provider immediately. Interactions: Xenazine may interact with other medications, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), reserpine, and dopamine agonists. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking before starting Xenazine, and they should not stop taking any medication without first consulting their healthcare provider. Generic Options: Tetrabenazine is the generic version of Xenazine. Although the two medications are similar in their mechanism of action, the generic version may be less expensive than the branded medication. Conclusion: Xenazine is a medication used to treat involuntary movements associated with Huntington's disease and tardive dyskinesia. This medication is a VMAT2 inhibitor that helps reduce the activity of dopamine in the brain. It is taken by mouth and the dosage will depend on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment. Xenazine may cause side effects and may interact with other medications. The generic version of Xenazine is tetrabenazine, which can be less expensive than the branded medication. Patients with Huntington's disease or tardive dyskinesia should speak with their healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of Xenazine and other treatment options available.