Tetrabenazine induces acute dystonic reactions

Abstract

Four patients suffered acute dystonic reactions casued by tetrabenzine. Because dystonic reactions have previously been reported only after dopamine receptor blockade and not with dopamine deplection, it is likely that the ability of tetrabenazine to induce acute dystonia is due to its dopamine receptor blocking properties. Because tertrabenazine can induce acute dystonia even when combined with α‐methyl‐p‐tyrosine, presynaptic dopamine stores may not be necessary for these reactions to occur.