Tetrabenazine

Depression and Suicidality

  • Tetrabenazine can increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior (suicidality) in patients with Huntington's disease.
  • Anyone considering the use of tetrabenazine must balance the risks of depression and suicidality with the clinical need for control of choreiform movements.
  • Close observation of patients for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior should accompany therapy.
  • Patients, their caregivers, and families should be informed of the risk of depression and suicidality and should be instructed to report behaviors of concern promptly to the treating physician.
  • Particular caution should be exercised in treating patients with a history of depression or prior suicide attempts or ideation, which are increased in frequency in Huntington's disease.
  • Tetrabenazine is contraindicated in patients who are actively suicidal, and in patients with untreated or inadequately treated depression. 

 

Patient counseling

Medical guidelines

Package inserts

Additional information

Updated: January 2018