Atrest 12.5

ATREST 12.5 Tablet

ATREST 12.5 is a medication manufactured by Centaur Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd.

• Composition: Each tablet contains 12.5 mg of Tetrabenazine as its active ingredient.

• Uses: ATREST 12.5 is primarily indicated for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease (HD). Chorea is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, jerky, or twitching movements. It works by reversibly inhibiting the vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2), leading to the depletion of monoamine stores like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in nerve terminals, which helps in controlling body movements.

• Dosage and Administration: ATREST 12.5 tablets are for oral administration and can be taken with or without food, ideally at the same time each day. The typical starting dose is 12.5 mg once daily in the morning, gradually increasing to 25 mg per day (12.5 mg twice a day) after one week. Doses are titrated slowly at weekly intervals by 12.5 mg daily to identify a tolerated dose, with a maximum daily dose not exceeding 50 mg. Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided, as it may worsen symptoms or cause withdrawal effects.

• Side Effects:

  • Common: Nausea, insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, sleepiness, akathisia (restlessness), and depression.
  • Serious/Other: Hyperprolactinemia, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), QTc prolongation, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, and Tardive Dyskinesia (TD). Rarely, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) may occur, characterized by fever, muscle stiffness, altered consciousness, and rapid heartbeat.

• Precautions: ATREST 12.5 is contraindicated in patients with active suicidal ideation or untreated depression, hepatic impairment, or those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or reserpine. Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery due to potential drowsiness. Patients should be monitored for changes in mood, worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts. Concomitant use with alcohol or other sedating drugs should be avoided. Consult a doctor if pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have a history of liver or kidney disease.

• Storage: Store ATREST 12.5 in a cool and dry place, protected from light, and out of the reach of children. It should be stored at temperatures between 10°C to 25°C or below 30°C.

ATREST 12.5 by CENTAUR PHARMACEUTICALS PVT LTD: Frequently Asked Questions

What is ATREST 12.5 used for?

ATREST 12.5 (Tetrabenazine 12.5mg) is primarily used for the treatment of chorea, which refers to involuntary, jerky movements associated with Huntington's disease. It can also be used to manage involuntary movements in certain other neurological disorders.

How does ATREST 12.5 work?

ATREST 12.5 contains Tetrabenazine, which is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor. It works by reducing the amount of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and histamine, that are involved in controlling body movements. By depleting these neurotransmitters, it helps to control symptoms like jerking, twisting, or other uncontrolled movements.

What is the usual dosage for ATREST 12.5?

The dosage of ATREST 12.5 is individualized for each patient and should be taken orally as directed by a doctor, usually once or twice a day with or without food. The typical starting dose is 12.5 mg per day, given once in the morning. After one week, the dose may be increased to 25 mg per day, given as 12.5 mg twice a day. The dose is slowly titrated up at weekly intervals by 12.5 mg daily to find a tolerated dose that reduces chorea. It is important to take it at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body.

What are the possible side effects of ATREST 12.5?

Common side effects include drowsiness, restlessness (akathisia), depression, nausea, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), anxiety, and fatigue. Other reported side effects can include dizziness, sleepiness, hypotension (low blood pressure), and in some cases, an increased risk of suicidal thoughts. If you experience any severe or concerning side effects, especially changes in mood or behavior, depression, or suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor immediately.

Is ATREST 12.5 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

ATREST 12.5 should be used with caution during pregnancy and only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, as there are limited human studies but animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. It is also recommended to use with caution during breastfeeding, and it is generally not recommended as traces of the drug have been found in breast milk and can negatively impact the infant. Always consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can ATREST 12.5 be taken with other medications?

Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, as some medications may interact with ATREST 12.5. Concomitant use with strong CYP2D6 inhibitors may require a dose reduction of ATREST. It is contraindicated with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) and reserpine. Concomitant use with alcohol or other sedating drugs can worsen sedation and somnolence. It should also be avoided with drugs known to cause QTc prolongation.

What precautions should be taken?

Do not stop taking ATREST 12.5 abruptly without consulting your doctor, as sudden discontinuation can worsen your condition or lead to serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome (characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, altered consciousness). Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it may interact with the medication. Exercise caution when driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you, as it can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Use with caution in patients with a history of depression or suicidal tendencies.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of ATREST 12.5, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

How should ATREST 12.5 be stored?

Store ATREST 12.5 at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. It should generally be stored in cool places at 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.