Xenazine's Potential Adverse Effects: Ranging From Common and Mild to Severe
Xenazine, a brand-name oral tablet, is prescribed for managing chorea, a movement disorder, in people with Huntington's disease. This medication, known generically as tetrabenazine, can provide relief for those struggling with the symptoms of their condition. However, like many medications, Xenazine comes with its own set of potential side effects.
Common side effects reported in Xenazine's clinical trials include sleepiness, fatigue, weakness, mood changes like depression or anxiety, and insomnia. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to discuss them with your doctor, who can recommend ways to manage these side effects.
Beyond the commonly reported side effects, less common but still significant adverse effects of Xenazine include akathisia (restlessness, inability to sit still), anxiety or worsened anxiety, nausea, dizziness, dysarthria (difficulty speaking), gait unsteadiness, headache, balance difficulty, drooling, subjective weakness, tremor, confusion, worsening aggression, and confusion.
Rare but serious adverse effects include Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a life-threatening condition characterized by hyperpyrexia (high fever), muscle rigidity, altered mental status, autonomic instability, tachycardia, diaphoresis (excessive sweating), cardiac arrhythmias, rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal failure. If you suspect you may be experiencing NMS, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Xenazine also carries a boxed warning, the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviours in people with Huntington's disease. If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts, or any other mental health concerns, it's vital to seek help from a healthcare professional immediately.
It's essential to discuss your health history with your doctor before starting Xenazine, as Xenazine may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. This includes liver problems, heart disease, an allergic reaction, breast cancer or a history of breast cancer, alcohol consumption, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
While Xenazine is not approved to treat tardive dyskinesia, it remains a valuable treatment option for managing chorea in people with Huntington's disease. If you're considering starting Xenazine, it's crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the possible side effects and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Remember, it's always best to make informed decisions about your health. If you're currently taking Xenazine and experiencing side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your concerns. They can help you manage any side effects and ensure you're getting the most benefit from your treatment.
In the context of managing symptoms for people with Huntington's disease, Xenazine, a drug known for its use in managing chorea, carries a boxed warning for an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors, emphasizing the importance of discussions about mental health with healthcare professionals. Regular dialogue with doctors is also crucial when it comes to potential side effects beyond the common ones, such as akathisia, anxiety, or worsened anxiety, which can severely impact the health-and-wellness and mental-health of individuals using Xenazine.
