If you have a certain kind of movement disorder, your doctor might suggest Austedo (deutetrabenazine) as a treatment option.
Austedo is a prescription medication that’s used to treat the following conditions in adults:
- chorea related to Huntington’s disease
- tardive dyskinesia
This article describes the dosages of Austedo, including its form, strengths, and how to take the drug. To learn more about Austedo, see this in-depth article.
Note: This article covers Austedo’s typical dosages, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But when using Austedo, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
Below are the dosages of Austedo that are typically prescribed. To learn more about typical dosages of Austedo, see the drug’s prescribing information.
What is Austedo’s form?
Austedo comes as a tablet that you swallow.
Available strengths of Austedo (6 mg, 9 mg, 12 mg)
Austedo is available in three strengths: 6 milligrams (mg), 9 mg, and 12 mg.
What are the typical dosages of Austedo?
Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage (also known as a starting dose). Then they’ll adjust your dosing schedule over time to reach the right amount for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the lowest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for chorea related to Huntington’s disease
The starting dose of Austedo when used to treat chorea related to Huntington’s disease is 6 mg, which you’ll take once per day. Your doctor may increase your dosage each week until your symptoms are managed.
If your total daily dose is 12 mg or more, you may take Austedo twice per day instead of once per day.
Below is an example of an Austedo dosing chart for chorea related to Huntington’s disease:
| Starting dosage | Usual dosage | Maximum dose per day |
| 6 mg once per day | 6 mg to 48 mg per day | 48 mg |
Dosage for tardive dyskinesia
The starting dose of Austedo when used to treat tardive dyskinesia is 6 mg. You’ll take this dose twice per day. Your doctor may increase your dosage each week until your symptoms are under control.
Below is an example of an Austedo dosing chart for tardive dyskinesia:
| Starting dosage | Usual dosage | Maximum dose per day |
| 6 mg twice per day (12 mg total) | 12 mg to 48 mg per day | 48 mg |
Is Austedo used long term?
Yes, Austedo is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Austedo is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use it long term.
The dosage of Austedo you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using Austedo to treat
- how well your symptoms are improving
- side effects you may have from Austedo
- other medications you’re currently taking or have taken in the past
When using Austedo, always take the drug exactly as your doctor prescribes.
Austedo comes as a tablet that you swallow. Be sure to swallow Austedo tablets whole. You should not chew, crush, or split the tablets.
You may take Austedo once or twice per day, depending on the dosage you’re prescribed. Try to take the dose at the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent level of the drug in your body over time.
You should take each dose of Austedo with food.
If you miss a dose of Austedo, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, just skip the one you’ve missed. Then take your usual dose at its regular time. Do not take any extra doses of Austedo to make up for a missed dose.
But if you miss several doses of Austedo in a row, tell your doctor right away. Wait for their instructions before starting Austedo again. If you aren’t sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Austedo on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm, downloading a reminder app, or setting a timer on your phone. A kitchen timer can work, too.
Do not use more Austedo than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- confusion
- diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- feeling more sleepy or tired than usual
- hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t really there)
- low blood pressure
- slow or uncontrolled movement of the muscles in the arms, head, legs, neck, or trunk
- spasms in the eyeball that may lead to a fixed upward position
- sweating
- swollen, red, or discolored skin
- tremor
What to do in case you take too much Austedo
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Austedo. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. However, if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Austedo for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Austedo without your doctor’s approval. Only take Austedo exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Does my dosage of Austedo need to change if I’m taking other drugs with it?
- Is my starting dose of Austedo affected by other medications I’ve taken in the past?
- Will I need to use multiple tablet strengths for my prescribed dose of Austedo?
- What should I do if I miss a dose of Austedo?
Q:
Could my age affect the dosage of Austedo that I’m prescribed?
Anonymous patientA:
It’s not fully known if your dosage of Austedo should be adjusted based on your age.
Only adults participated in trials for Austedo. But there weren’t enough participants ages 65 and over to conclude whether the response to Austedo is different in older individuals. If you’re 65 years or older, talk with your doctor. Work with them to develop a plan that you feel comfortable with for your dosage of Austedo.
Dena Westphalen, PharmDAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.