Key takeaways
Valbenazine (Ingrezza) and deutetrabenazine (Austedo) are both medications that treat chorea in adults with Huntington's disease as well as tardive dyskensia (random muscle movements) in adults. While they share these uses, they differ in several ways. Ingrezza is available as a capsule and is typically taken once a day. It also comes in a sprinkle capsule for those who have trouble swallowing. Austedo comes in both immediate-release and extended-release tablets, with the immediate-release taken twice daily and the extended-release taken once daily. Both medications have similar side effects, such as sleepiness, diarrhea, and dry mouth. Deutetrabenazine also carries a boxed warning about an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts in people living with Huntington's disease.
