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Huntington's disease, a disease, caused by deterioration of the neurons in the brain has had no FDA approved treatment until recently. On August 15, 2008, the FDA approved Xenazine (Tetrabenazine), which is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for symptoms of Huntington's disease.
What is Huntington's Disease?
Huntington's disease is rare and caused by deterioration of neurons in brain cells. As a result, patients will experience uncontrolled movements (also called chorea, which refers to the jerky, involuntary movements), emotional disturbances, and mental deterioration. Patients with this disease will also experience problems with balance and coordination, difficulty shifting their gaze without moving their head, hesitant, halting or slurred speech, and dementia. Huntington's disease consists of three stages. In the first stage, there will be subtle changes in coordination, difficulty thinking through problems, and a depressed or irritable mood. In the second stage, the movement disorder may become more of a problem, as well as, difficulty speaking. In the fi
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nal stage of Huntington's disease, the patient is totally dependent in others for their care.
How does Xenazine® work?
Xenazine can improve the involuntary jerky movements experienced by patients with Huntington's disease. Xenazine decreases the amount of dopamine that is available to work in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical that communicates between certain nerve cells in the brain. In patients with Huntington's disease, the reaction between dopamine and the nerve cells is overactive causing involuntary, jerky movements. By decreasing the amount of dopamine available, studies have shown that patients taking Xenazine had a reduction in these movements.
What are the side effects from this medication?
To date, the side effects that may occur with this drug include sleepiness, restlessness, and Parkinson disease like symptoms. Depression may occur because this medication may also decrease other chemicals in the brain called serotonin and norepinephrine.
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These side effects may be reduced by your physician by decreasing the dose prescribed. The side effects disappear when the medication is discontinued.
What else do I need to know?
Xenazine will be available later this year. Xenazine should not be used in patients that are actively suicidal, or in patients with untreated or poorly treated depression. This medication should not be used in patients that have a weak liver.
For more information, talk to your pharmacist or physician. For additional information, visit Huntington's Disease Society of America at www.Hdsa.org.
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