Valbenazine

Generic name: Valbenazine
Brand names: Ingrezza
Dosage form: oral capsule
Drug class: VMAT2 inhibitors

Usage of Valbenazine

Valbenazine is a drug used to treat a side effect of antipsychotic or neuroleptic medications called tardive dyskinesia.

Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder that causes uncontrollable abnormal movements of the jaw, lips and tongue. It is a rare side effect that may occur after long-term use of certain medications that block doPamine receptors, leading to too much dopamine signaling in the brain. These medications are used to treat schizophrenia and other conditions.

Dopamine is a chemical messenger called a monoamine neurotransmitter. It communicates information between nerve cells and and is involved in many bodily functions including movement and mood.

Valbenazine is a type of drug called a VMAT2 (vesicular monoamine transporter 2) inhibitor. It is thought to work by preventing the release of dopamine from small structures (vesicles) within dopamine-producing nerve cells, which reduces extra dopamine signaling in the brain.

Valbenazine is used to treat the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, but it does not cure the condition. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017.

Valbenazine side effects

Valbenazine may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Sleepiness (somnolence). Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how valbenazine affects you.
  • Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation). Valbenazine may cause a heart problem known as QT prolongation. Symptoms of QT prolongation may include:
  • fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
  • shortness of breath
  • dizziness or fainting Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have a change in your heartbeat (a fast or irregular heartbeat), or if you faint.
  • Parkinson-like symptoms. Symptoms include: shaking, body stiffness, trouble moving or walking, or keeping your balance

    • The most common side effect of valbenazine is sleepiness (somnolence).

    Other common side effects include:

  • changes in balance (balance problems, dizziness) or an increased risk of falls
  • headache
  • feelings of restlessness
  • dry mouth
  • constipation
  • blurred vision

    • These are not all of the possible side effects of valbenazine. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Before taking Valbenazine

    Tell your healthcare provider is you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Valbenazine may harm your unborn baby.

    Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if valbenazine passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with valbenazine and for 5 days after the final dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with valbenazine.

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    How to use Valbenazine

  • The initial doSage of valbenazine is 40 mg once daily. After one week, the recommended dosage of valbenazine is 80 mg once daily.
  • Valbenazine can be taken with or without food.
  • The recommended dosage for patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment is 40 mg once daily.
  • The recommended dosage for known CYP2D6 poor metabolizers is 40 mg once daily.
  • See the full prescribing information for further information about valbenazine dosing.

    • What other drugs will affect Valbenazine

    Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.

    Using valbenazine at the SAMe time as a monoamine oxide inhibitor (MAOI) should be avoided. Examples of MAOIs include:

  • Isocarboxazid
  • Phenelzine
  • Selegiline

    • Taking valbenazine with certain other medicines may cause serious side effects. Do not start any new medicines while taking valbenazine without talking to your healthcare provider first.

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