Drug reference

valbenazine

VMAT2 Inhibitor · Movement disorder treatment

VMAT2 InhibitorMovement disorder treatment

CDSCO approved

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

12 major

incl. contraindicated

PREGNANCY

FDA category + note

Top interactionssee all 12 →

DexamethasoneContraindicatedTextbookG&G 14e · p372
EtravirineContraindicatedTextbookG&G 14e · p372
MoclobemideContraindicatedTextbookG&G 14e · p372
ModafinilContraindicatedTextbookG&G 14e · p372

Mechanism

Selectively inhibits the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), causing a reversible reduction in dopamine (DA) release.

Indications

Tardive dyskinesiainvoluntary movement disordersHuntington’s chorea

Dosing

Adult: Once daily. Titrated after 1 week from 40 mg to 80 mg unless tolerability or kinetic issues limit use of highest dosage.

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism

CYPs 2D6 and 3A4. Inhibits P-glycoprotein (Pgp) efflux transporter.

Contraindications

Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
use with strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin)

Side effects

Common

Well tolerated

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

Lactation

Not specified

Drug interactions

Dexamethasone

Contraindicated

Textbook

Potential loss of valbenazine efficacy.

Not recommended.

Source: G&G 14e · p372

Etravirine

Contraindicated

Textbook

Potential loss of valbenazine efficacy.

Not recommended.

Source: G&G 14e · p372

Moclobemide

Contraindicated

Textbook

Unspecified.

AVOID.

Source: G&G 14e · p372

Modafinil

Contraindicated

Textbook

Potential loss of valbenazine efficacy.

Not recommended.

Source: G&G 14e · p372

Rifampin

Contraindicated

Textbook

Potential loss of valbenazine efficacy.

Not recommended.

Source: G&G 14e · p372

Amiodarone

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Amisulpride

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Anagrelide

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Apalutamide

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: metabolism

Source: DDInter

Arsenic Trioxide

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Bedaquiline

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Bepridil

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Related guidelines

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

FOGSI · Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2019

Substance use disorders

NIMHANS · Psychiatry · 2022

Primary headache disorders

NICE · Neurology · 2021

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

ACOG · Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2020

Alcohol use disorder

MOHFW · Psychiatry · 2021

Ask House about valbenazine

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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team