Valbenazine is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor. This means it belongs to a class of medications that work by selectively inhibiting the VMAT2 protein.
Understanding VMAT2 Inhibitors
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VMAT2's Role: VMAT2 is responsible for transporting monoamines (such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and histamine) into synaptic vesicles in nerve cells. These vesicles then release the monoamines into the synapse, allowing them to transmit signals.
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How Valbenazine Works: By inhibiting VMAT2, valbenazine reduces the amount of monoamines released into the synapse. This is particularly important in managing conditions where there is an overabundance of dopamine.
Clinical Use of Valbenazine
Valbenazine is primarily used to treat:
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Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): TD is a movement disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements, often of the face, lips, tongue, torso, and extremities. It can be a side effect of long-term use of certain antipsychotic medications. Valbenazine helps to reduce these involuntary movements.
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Chorea associated with Huntington's disease: Valbenazine is also approved for the treatment of chorea, a movement disorder seen in Huntington's disease.
Key Properties of Valbenazine
- Selectivity: Valbenazine is designed to be highly selective for VMAT2, minimizing its impact on other neurotransmitter systems.
- Administration: It is typically administered orally.
- Dosage: Dosage is determined by a healthcare professional based on individual needs and response to treatment.
