Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: Approximately 2,000 patients with a variety of hyperkinetic movement disorders had been treated with open-label tetrabenazine at the Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, since 1979. Tetrabenazine was usually started at 12.5 mg/day, and the dosage was gradually increased (up to 300 mg/day). Responses were rated by the investigator 1-5, with 1 = marked chorea reduction, excellent improvement in function; 2 = moderate chorea reduction, very good improvement in function; 3 = fair chorea improvement, only mild improvement in function; 4 = poor or no response for chorea and function; and 5 = worsening chorea, some functional deterioration. Efficacy and safety were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: By 2004, 98 HD chorea patients had received tetrabenazine for a mean of 3.1 years (range ≤1-11.4 years). Of those with valid ratings, 75% had either marked or very good responses (rating 1 or 2) at their optimal dosages. The most common adverse events occurring in ≥5% of the patients were somnolence (39%), insomnia (33%), depression (31%), accidental injury (26%), and dysphagia (19%). Efficacy and safety were comparable to results for non-HD chorea patients. DISCUSSION:
Tetrabenazine treatment was associated with long-term improvement in chorea. Adverse event rates were comparable to those reported from controlled trials.
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Authors | Vivienne Shen, Kathleen Clarence-Smith, Christine Hunter, Joseph Jankovic |
Journal | Tremor and other hyperkinetic movements (New York, N.Y.)
(Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y))
Vol. 3
( 2013)
ISSN: 2160-8288 [Print] England |
PMID | 24255799
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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