HOW DO VMAT2 INHIBITORS WORK?
Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors are drugs used for treating uncontrolled, involuntary movements associated with Huntington’s disease, tardive dyskinesia, or Tourette’s syndrome.
The exact mechanism of involuntary movement disorder is not known. However, excess dopamine or increased sensitivity to dopamine receptors has been known to play a dominant role in uncontrolled, involuntary movements.
VMAT2 inhibitors block VMAT2 causing dopamine depletion in the central nervous system. VMAT2 is a protein that controls the amount of dopamine stored in the nerve cells and the amount released. Inhibiting VMAT2 leads to a lower amount of available dopamine, thereby reducing unwanted body movements.
HOW ARE VMAT2 INHIBITORS USED?
VMAT2 inhibitors are a class of medications used for treating uncontrolled, involuntary movement disorders associated with:
- Huntington’s disease
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Tourette’s syndrome
WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS OF VMAT2 INHIBITORS?
Some of the common side effects of VMAT2 inhibitors include:
- Sleepiness
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Urinary tract infection
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Contusion
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Depression
- Suicidal ideation
- Parkinsonism
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.
WHAT ARE THE NAMES OF VMAT2 INHIBITORS?
Generic and brand names of VMAT2 inhibitors include:
- Austedo
- Deutetrabenazine
- Ingrezza
- Tetrabenazine
- Valbenazine
- Xenazine
