Background: Tetrabenazine (TBZ) depletes presynaptic dopamine in the CNS. It has been found to be beneficial in hyperkinetic movement disorders without carrying the extrapyramidal side effects that are characteristic of neuroleptics.
Objective: To summarize current knowledge on the use of TBZ and draw conclusions about its efficacy and safety.
Methods: PubMed literature searches using the term 'tetrabenazine' were carried out for the period prior to May 2009. Additional relevant studies referenced by these publications were included.
Conclusions: Both short- and long-term studies have consistently yielded favorable results for the use of TBZ in the treatment of hyperkinetic movement in terms of efficacy and safety. TBZ is most effective in reducing chorea (including Huntington's disease associated chorea), tic associated with Tourette's syndrome and tardive dyskinesias. Furthermore, TBZ might also have potential for use in other hyperkinetic disorders (e.g., myoclonus and dystonia), for which future clinical trials are needed.