Deutetrabenazine and Reserpine: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Reserpine
Deutetrabenazine
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Depletion of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system
Interaction Deep Dive
Concomitant use of deutetrabenazine and reserpine or use within 20 days of reserpine discontinuation is contraindicated. Reserpine irreversibly binds to vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) with a duration of effect of several days. Wait for chorea to reemerge before administering deutetrabenazine to help reduce the risk of overdosage and major depletion of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. At least 20 days should elapse after stopping reserpine before starting deutetrabenazine1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Irreversible binding of reserpine to vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2)
Common questions
Can I take Deutetrabenazine and Reserpine together?
Depletion of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Deutetrabenazine and Reserpine interaction?
It is rated contraindicated. These should generally not be used together.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Deutetrabenazine or Reserpine need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (1)
- Product Information: AUSTEDO(TM) oral tablets, deutetrabenazine oral tablets. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc (per FDA), North Wales, PA, 2017. DailyMed
Keep reading about Reserpine
Keep reading about Deutetrabenazine
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