Quick Facts
Generic NameDeutetrabenazine
Brand NameAustedo
Drug ClassVMAT2 Inhibitor
FDA Approved2017
Starting Dose6mg/day
Typical Range12–48mg/day
Max Dose48mg/day
Half-Life9–10 hours
MetabolismCYP2D6 (major)
Generic AvailableNot yet generic
What Is Austedo?
Deutetrabenazine (brand name Austedo) is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor (VMAT2 Inhibitor) prescribed for tardive dyskinesia, huntington's chorea, and other psychiatric conditions. Deuterated form of tetrabenazine — smoother blood levels, fewer side effects, less frequent dosing. FDA-approved for both tardive dyskinesia AND Huntington's chorea. CYP2D6 poor metabolizers need lower max dose (36mg). Does not interact with antipsychotic efficacy at approved doses.
At Psychiatry Telemed, deutetrabenazine is prescribed and monitored by board-certified psychiatrists who understand the nuances of VMAT2 Inhibitor pharmacology — selecting the right dose, managing side effects, monitoring drug interactions, and optimizing your treatment through consistent monthly medication management appointments.
Deutetrabenazine (Austedo) — VMAT2 Inhibitor medication for psychiatric care
ManufacturerTeva
How Austedo Affects Neurotransmitters
How Austedo Works
Deutetrabenazine inhibits VMAT2 (vesicular monoamine transporter 2), reducing dopamine packaging into synaptic vesicles and thereby decreasing dopamine release. The deuterium modification slows metabolism, providing smoother blood levels and better tolerability than the parent compound tetrabenazine.
Efficacy: Austedo vs. Comparators
Efficacy Comparison
Response & remission rates vs. comparators (Cipriani et al. meta-analysis)
Data from published meta-analyses. Individual response may vary.
Conditions Treated with Austedo
Tardive Dyskinesia
FDA-approved for tardive dyskinesia. Reduces involuntary movements caused by antipsychotics.
Learn About Tardive DyskinesiaHuntington's Chorea
FDA-approved for chorea associated with Huntington's disease.
Learn About Huntington's ChoreaConsidering Austedo?
Board-certified psychiatrists can determine if deutetrabenazine is right for you.
Dosage Information
| Indication | Starting Dose | Typical Range | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tardive Dyskinesia | 6mg/day | 12–48mg/day | 48mg/day |
| Huntington's Chorea | 6mg/day | 12–48mg/day | 48mg/day |
Brain Regions Targeted by Austedo
Side Effects
Like all medications, deutetrabenazine has potential side effects. Most are mild, occur early in treatment, and resolve within 1–2 weeks. Your psychiatrist monitors at every appointment.
Common Side Effects
DrowsinessDiarrheaDry MouthFatigueInsomniaNasopharyngitis
Less Common
AkathisiaAnxietyConstipationDepressionFalls
Serious (Seek Immediate Help)
Depression/SuicidalityParkinsonismNeuroleptic Malignant SyndromeQTc ProlongationRestlessness
Side Effect Profile: Austedo vs. Class Average
Side Effect Profile
Incidence rates from FDA prescribing information vs. class average
Percentages from clinical trial data. Actual experience may differ.
⚠️ FDA Black Box Warning
DEPRESSION and SUICIDALITY risk — contraindicated in patients with untreated depression or suicidal ideation. Particularly important in Huntington's patients (high baseline suicide risk).
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (max 36mg/day), MAOIs (contraindicated), reserpine, tetrabenazine
CYP Metabolism
Substrate of CYP2D6. CYP2D6 poor metabolizers and those taking CYP2D6 inhibitors need reduced max dose. CYP2D6 genotyping recommended.
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol during deutetrabenazine treatment. Both affect the CNS, increasing sedation and impairing judgment.
Generic Versions & Cost
Generic deutetrabenazine available since Not yet generic. Approximate cost: $7,000+/month (brand only; specialty pharmacy). FDA-certified bioequivalent to brand-name Austedo.
Starting Austedo: What to Expect
First Weeks
Deutetrabenazine is typically started at 6mg/day and increased gradually. Common initial side effects usually improve within 1–2 weeks. Full therapeutic benefit develops over 4–8 weeks.
When to Contact Your Psychiatrist
Contact your psychiatrist for: worsening depression/anxiety, thoughts of self-harm, unusual agitation, severe side effects, or any concerning changes.
Stopping Austedo Safely
Never stop deutetrabenazine abruptly. Your psychiatrist will develop a gradual tapering schedule to minimize discontinuation effects.
Timeline: When Austedo Starts Working
Timeline to Effectiveness
Expected improvement trajectory over the first 8 weeks
Based on clinical trial data. Full therapeutic effects may take 6–8 weeks.
Get Austedo from a Board-Certified Psychiatrist
At Psychiatry Telemed, deutetrabenazine is prescribed following comprehensive evaluation. All Florida via HIPAA-compliant telepsychiatry. 1–3 days. $200 eval, $100 follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prescribed for tardive dyskinesia, huntington's chorea.
Typically 2–4 weeks for initial improvement, 4–8 weeks for full benefit.
Common: drowsiness, diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, insomnia. Most resolve within 1–2 weeks.
No. Not habit-forming but should not be stopped abruptly — gradual tapering recommended.
Deuterated form of tetrabenazine — smoother blood levels, fewer side effects, less frequent dosing. FDA-approved for both tardive dyskinesia AND Huntington's chorea. CYP2D6 poor metabolizers need lowe
Alcohol should be avoided — increases sedation, impairs judgment, and may worsen symptoms.
Resources
Medical Disclaimer: Educational only. Consult a psychiatrist before starting/stopping medication. Crisis: call 988 or 911.
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