Tardive dyskinesia (TD), often associated with dopamine receptor antagonist (DRA) use, affects individuals with psychotic or mood disorders. This study evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of deutetrabenazine, a VMAT2 inhibitor, in 343 patients through the RIM-TD open-label extension study. Over three years, patients showed sustained improvements in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale scores, with most achieving at least a 50% reduction in TD symptoms, regardless of their condition or DRA use. Quality of life and clinician- and patient-reported treatment success also improved significantly across all groups.

Deutetrabenazine proved consistently effective and safe, with no new adverse effects. The study emphasized that TD symptoms often persist after DRA discontinuation, highlighting the need for effective management strategies. Long-term treatment resulted in stable deutetrabenazine doses and progressive symptom improvement, likely due to ongoing VMAT2 inhibition. These findings support deutetrabenazine as a valuable option for managing TD in diverse clinical settings, improving both outcomes and quality of life.

Reference: Hauser RA, Barkay H, Fernandez HH, et al. Deutetrabenazine Provides Long-Term Benefit for Tardive Dyskinesia Regardless of Underlying Condition and Dopamine Receptor Antagonist Use: A Post Hoc Analysis of the 3-Year, Open-Label Extension Study. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2024;44(4):386-396. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0000000000001885.