A patient is prescribed tetrabenazine (Xenazine) for treatment of chorea caused by Huntington disease. What should the nurse emphasize when teaching the patient and family about this medication?
Select all that apply.
1. Do not take with levodopa.
2. Avoid overexposure to heat.
3. Report any suicidal thoughts.
4. Be alert for signs of depression.
5. Have routine liver function tests completed.
Correct Answer: 1, 3, 4
Tetrabenazine shows the most improvement in treating the chorea of Huntington disease. The drug may cause depression and risk of suicide; patients and caregivers should immediately stop the drug and notify the healthcare provider if manifestations of depression are observed. It increases the effects of, and should not be taken in combination with, Levodopa (for Parkinson disease). Overexposure to heat is a potential adverse effect of medications used to treat Parkinson disease. Riluzole is associated with the risk of elevated liver enzymes.
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