Key takeaways:
Austedo (deutetrabenazine) is an FDA-approved medication that eases uncontrolled body movements in people living with Huntington’s disease or tardive dyskinesia.
Common Austedo side effects include sleepiness, diarrhea, and dry mouth. As your body gets used to the medication, these side effects should gradually improve.
Serious Austedo side effects are rare, but possible. Heart rhythm changes, thoughts of self harm, and pronounced restlessness have been reported. Speak with a healthcare professional right away if you experience any side effects like these.
Save on related medications
Uncontrolled body movements are a common experience for those living with Huntington’s disease or tardive dyskinesia. And they’re more than just an annoyance. They can greatly interfere with your quality of life and day-to-day routine.
There’s no cure for Huntington’s disease or tardive dyskinesia. But several treatments can calm down these body movements and improve your well-being. Austedo (deutetrabenazine) is one go-to option. It’s an FDA-approved medication that can help ease uncontrolled body movements from these conditions. It’s available as an immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) tablet.
Austedo is effective for many people, but it’s not without its risks. Like any other medication, it’s important to understand its possible side effects and how to manage them.
Austedo side effects at a glance
Austedo side effects generally improve over time as your body gets used to the medication. The most common Austedo side effects include:
Sleepiness
Fatigue
Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
Dry mouth
Diarrhea
Common cold symptoms
More serious Austedo side effects are possible, too, though rare. They include:
Depression, including thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Restlessness or movement problems
Below, we’ll discuss the seven most notable side effects of Austedo and how to manage them.
1. Sleeping changes
Sleepiness, or feeling tired, is a common side effect of taking Austedo for Huntington’s disease. It can affect your ability to think, focus, or react.
If you’re feeling tired, make sure to listen to your body and respect what its limits are. For instance, avoid driving or doing other attention-oriented tasks if the medication is making you sleepy.
It’s also best to avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medications that cause sleepiness, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, while taking Austedo. These combinations can drain your energy levels even more.
The opposite effect is true for other people. Insomnia, or difficulty falling asleep, is a common side effect of Austedo in people with tardive dyskinesia.
Some well-studied home remedies to help counteract insomnia are optimizing your sleep hygiene practices, such as creating a relaxing bedtime routine. Practicing meditation and avoiding caffeine and alcohol shortly before bed help, too. Some over-the-counter (OTC) supplements and medications, such as melatonin and occasional doses of Benadryl (diphenhydramine), can also help promote sleep when needed. But it’s important to consult your healthcare team before taking any of these medications.
Comparing the same class: Austedo (deutetrabenazine) and Xenazine (tetrabenazine) are similar movement disorder medications, but what sets them apart?
Huntington’s disease treatments: A few medications are FDA approved for this brain condition, and many more are working their way through clinical trials.
Tardive dyskinesia treatments: GoodRx physicians discuss medications, supplements, and other treatments that can help manage this movement disorder.
Thankfully, once your body starts to get used to this medication, these symptoms should lessen.
2. Dry mouth
Dry mouth is another common side effect of Austedo. If it persists, an ongoing dry mouth can lead to trouble chewing and swallowing. In some cases, cavities and mouth infections can develop.
If you’re experiencing dry mouth, some home remedies can make a difference. Ask a healthcare professional about:
Chewing on sugar-free gum
Sucking (not chewing) on ice chips
Sipping on cold liquids, such as sugar-free drinks and water
Using saliva substitutes
Maintaining good oral hygiene
If your dry mouth feels severe or isn’t improving, speak with your prescriber about potential next steps. They can offer other management options. In some cases, they may opt to change your medication routine.
3. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common side effect of Austedo, too. But it typically doesn’t last very long. This symptom should improve over time as your body gets used to the medication.
If you develop diarrhea, it’s important to stay hydrated and try to replenish the fluids that you’re losing. Water or other non-sugary liquids are beneficial. Electrolyte drinks can also help replenish lost electrolytes. Temporarily sticking to bland, starchy foods can help soothe your stomach as well.
These dietary interventions aren’t always enough. You can also take an OTC anti-diarrheal medication, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D), with your prescriber’s OK.
4. Symptoms of the common cold
Some people taking Austedo report having minor respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold. Possible symptoms of the common cold include:
Sore throat
Runny nose or stuffy nose
Cough
Mucus production
Body aches
You can treat these symptoms the same way you’ve treated previous colds. Some ways to ease common cold symptoms include the following:
Stay hydrated
Get plenty of rest
Use a humidifier or vaporizer
Suck on cough drops or throat lozenges
Some OTC treatment options that can help treat cold symptoms are antihistamines, decongestants, and expectorants. Antihistamines help with allergy-like symptoms, decongestants help with stuffy nose, and expectorants help with mucus production. Speak with a pharmacist about which medications would be best for you before making any purchases.
If symptoms like these don’t get better within 10 days — or if they become severe at any point — contact your healthcare team without delay.
5. Restlessness or changes in body movements
Akathisia refers to a sense of restlessness where you feel a strong urge to move. If you have akathisia, you’ll likely experience symptoms like pacing back and forth, rocking while sitting, or shifting your feet while standing.
These symptoms can develop after starting Austedo. It’s hard to manage these symptoms on your own. If you notice changes in body movements like these, speak with your healthcare team.
6. Heart rhythm changes
Austedo can cause or contribute to an irregular heartbeat, also known as QT prolongation. This is especially true at doses that are higher than recommended. Symptoms of QT prolongation can include lightheadedness, palpitations, and feeling faint. But many people don’t have symptoms at all.
It’s important to speak with your prescriber about any existing heart conditions you have prior to starting Austedo. And while you’re taking Austedo, they may monitor your heart rhythm regularly — especially if you have any heart-related risk factors. Uncontrolled QT prolongation can lead to more serious health issues.
Good to know: If you have a history of irregular heartbeats, or take other medications that affect your heart rhythm, you have a higher risk of developing QT prolongation. People with a history of long QT interval or arrhythmias should avoid taking Austedo.
7. Depression and suicidal thoughts
Depression and suicidal thoughts are relatively common among people with Huntington’s disease. Taking Austedo may increase the risk of developing these feelings. The medication has a boxed warning for this risk, the FDA’s most serious medication warning.
Depression can sometimes be hard to spot — especially in the early days. But if you’re feeling hopeless, having trouble concentrating, or are becoming less engaged in your day-to-day activities, know that you’re not alone. It’s important to watch for these signs and symptoms and reach out to your family or close friends for support.
If you suspect you may have depression, or start having thoughts of self-harm, talk to your healthcare team right away. Together, you can discuss risks and benefits of your treatment plan. You can also call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 anytime. It’s free and confidential.
When to contact a healthcare professional about Austedo side effects
Many of Austedo’s common side effects should improve over time as your body gets used to the medication. But if you have severe side effects or they don’t seem to get better with time, contact your healthcare team.
Some symptoms may indicate a more serious Austedo side effect. Austedo has been linked to a rare but life-threatening condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Possible symptoms include:
High fever
Increased sweating
Stiff muscles
Confusion
Fast or irregular heartbeat
If you experience any symptoms like these while taking Austedo, call 911 or go to the nearest ER without delay.
Frequently asked questions
Austedo isn’t FDA approved to treat essential tremors. It’s meant for adults with tardive dyskinesia or irregular movements linked to Huntington’s disease. While some medications for movement disorders may be used off-label, there’s no strong evidence that Austedo helps with essential tremors. It’s not a standard treatment for the condition.
When starting Austedo, your prescriber will likely start you off with a low dose — usually 6 mg twice daily for the regular tablets (Austedo) or 12 mg once daily for the extended-release tablets (Austedo XR). Your prescriber will typically raise your dose by about 6 mg each week, based on how well it works for you and if you develop any side effects. The maximum daily dose for either version is 48 mg.
Store Austedo at room temperature, ideally between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C). It’s OK if it’s exposed to slightly warmer or cooler temperatures for short periods. It’s also important to store it in a dry place away from light and moisture, and avoid keeping it in the bathroom. If your tablets come in a bottle, leave the desiccant (the small moisture absorber) inside until you’ve finished the medication. Always keep Austedo in its original container and out of reach of children or pets.
Austedo isn’t FDA approved to treat essential tremors. It’s meant for adults with tardive dyskinesia or irregular movements linked to Huntington’s disease. While some medications for movement disorders may be used off-label, there’s no strong evidence that Austedo helps with essential tremors. It’s not a standard treatment for the condition.
When starting Austedo, your prescriber will likely start you off with a low dose — usually 6 mg twice daily for the regular tablets (Austedo) or 12 mg once daily for the extended-release tablets (Austedo XR). Your prescriber will typically raise your dose by about 6 mg each week, based on how well it works for you and if you develop any side effects. The maximum daily dose for either version is 48 mg.
Store Austedo at room temperature, ideally between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C). It’s OK if it’s exposed to slightly warmer or cooler temperatures for short periods. It’s also important to store it in a dry place away from light and moisture, and avoid keeping it in the bathroom. If your tablets come in a bottle, leave the desiccant (the small moisture absorber) inside until you’ve finished the medication. Always keep Austedo in its original container and out of reach of children or pets.
The bottom line
Common Austedo (deutetrabenazine) side effects are sleepiness, diarrhea, and dry mouth. These side effects should improve over time as your body gets used to the medication. Heart rhythm changes, depression, and pronounced restlessness are less common, but they’re possible. Reach out to your healthcare team right away if you’re experiencing or noticing a side effect that you’re worried about.
For additional resources or to connect with mental health services in your area, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. For immediate assistance, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
Why trust our experts?
References
Ghanekar, S., et al. (2023). Treatment of essential tremor. Practical Neurology.
Patel, J., et al. (2023). Akathisia. StatPearls.
Teva Neuroscience. (2025). Austedo- deutetrabenazine tablet, coated; Austedo- deutetrabenazine; Austedo XR- deutetrabenazine tablet, film coated, extended release; Austedo XR- deutetrabenazine [package insert].
Tobin, E. H., et al. (2025). Upper respiratory tract infection. StatPearls.
