Austedo, AUSTEDO, AUSTEDO XR

What is this medication? Austedo and Austedo XR are prescription medications used to treat adults with specific involuntary movement disorders. These medications are primarily indicated for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia, a condition characterized by uncontrollable body movements that can result from the long-term use of certain psychiatric drugs. Additionally, they are approved to manage chorea associated with Huntington disease, which involves the sudden, irregular, and jerky movements often experienced by individuals living with this genetic neurological disorder.

The medication functions as a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor, meaning it works by decreasing the amount of certain natural substances in the brain that are involved in muscle activity. By regulating these chemical levels, the drug helps to minimize the frequency and intensity of abnormal physical motions. While the standard version of the medication is typically taken twice daily with food, the extended-release formulation allows for once-daily dosing in some cases. It is essential for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the appropriate dosage and to monitor for potential side effects during treatment.