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Uncontrollable Movements After Long-Term Medication Use? Understanding Tardive Dyskinesia and How Valbenazine May Help

Introduction

mental health conditions and certain gastrointestinal or nausea-related conditions. However, in some cases, long-term use of certain medicines can lead to involuntary movements that are difficult to control. This condition is known as tardive dyskinesia (TD).1,3 

TD can affect daily functioning, communication, social interactions and quality of life. Fortunately, treatment options are available. Valbenazine is a VMAT2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and has been shown to reduce TD movements.1,3 

This article explains what tardive dyskinesia is, why it happens, and how valbenazine may help. 

Why Can Long-Term Medicines Cause Uncontrolled Movements? 

Certain medications, particularly those that affect dopamine signaling in the brain, may increase the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia when used for extended periods.4,5,7 

These medications commonly include4,5,7: 

  • Antipsychotic medicines 

  • Some medications used for nausea and vomiting 

  • Other dopamine receptor-blocking drugs 

Not everyone who takes these medications will develop TD. However, the risk generally increases with longer exposure. In some cases, the movements may continue even after the original medication has been reduced or stopped. Because TD can begin gradually, new or unusual movements should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.3,5,7 

What Is Tardive Dyskinesia?

Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological movement disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements that occur without conscious control. 

The condition most often affects1,5: 

  • The lips 

  • Tongue 

  • Jaw 

  • Face 

It may also involve1,5: 

  • Fingers and hands 

  • Arms 

  • Feet 

  • Legs 

  • Trunk 

These movements can range from mild and barely noticeable to severe and disruptive. Think of TD as a problem with the brain's movement-control system. TD is thought to involve long-term neuroadaptive changes in dopamine signaling following exposure to dopamine receptor-blocking medications.5,7 

Common Signs of Tardive Dyskinesia Patients May Notice

Symptoms can look different from person to person, but common signs include5,7: 

  • Lip smacking 

  • Repetitive chewing motions 

  • Tongue protrusion or tongue movements 

  • Facial grimacing 

  • Finger or hand movements 

  • Foot tapping 

  • Rocking or swaying motions 


 What Is Valbenazine? 

Valbenazine is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia in adults. It belongs to a group of medications called vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors. Unlike treatments originally developed for other conditions, valbenazine was specifically designed to target the abnormal movement patterns seen in TD.1,3 

The medication is taken once daily, making it a convenient option for many individuals requiring long-term treatment. In addition to TD, valbenazine is also approved for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease, another condition characterized by involuntary movements.2  

 How Valbenazine Works in Movement Disorder Treatment
To understand how valbenazine works, it helps to know a little about dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger involved in movement control. In tardive dyskinesia, dopamine signaling may become dysregulated, contributing to involuntary movements. Valbenazine works by inhibiting VMAT2, a protein involved in storing and releasing dopamine in nerve cells.3,8 

By inhibiting VMAT2 and modulating monoamine storage and release, valbenazine can reduce the severity of abnormal involuntary movements associated with TD.1,3,8 

Clinical studies have demonstrated improvement in TD symptoms following treatment, with effects observed as early as approximately 2 weeks in clinical development studies.1 

Who May Be Discussed for Valbenazine Treatment?  

Valbenazine may be considered for adults diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia, with treatment decisions individualized according to symptom severity, clinical history, concomitant medications, and other patient-specific factors. Treatment decisions are individualized and depend on factors such as overall health, current medications, symptom severity, and medical history.1,3,5,11 

 Valbenazine for Tardive Dyskinesia and Huntington’s Chorea 

Although the same medication is used in both conditions, tardive dyskinesia and Huntington's disease are very different disorders.1,2 

In TD, the aim is to reduce involuntary movements that develop after exposure to certain medications, particularly dopamine receptor-blocking drugs. In Huntington's disease chorea, the goal is to lessen the irregular, unpredictable movements caused by the underlying neurological disease itself. Although valbenazine is used in both conditions, treatment and dosing are determined according to the patient's diagnosis, clinical response, medical history, and other individual factors.2,10,11 

Important Information to Share Before Starting Valbenazine

Before beginning treatment, the healthcare team should be informed about11: 

  • All prescription medications 

  • Over-the-counter products 

  • Herbal supplements 

  • Liver problems 

  • Heart conditions 

  • Pregnancy status 

  • Breastfeeding status 

  • Previous medication reactions 

A complete medication review helps identify possible interactions and ensures the treatment plan is as safe and effective as possible.11 

Possible Side Effects and Safety Considerations

Like all medications, valbenazine can cause side effects. Commonly discussed side effects include11: 

  • Sleepiness 

  • Fatigue 

  • Dizziness 

  • Reduced alertness 

Some individuals may also experience11: 

  • Restlessness 

  • Balance problems 

  • Falls 

  • Changes in heart rhythm 

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the prescribing healthcare professional promptly. Regular monitoring helps determine whether treatment benefits outweigh any side effects.11 

Why Follow-Up Care Matters

Follow-up is important to assess response to treatment, monitor tolerability and determine whether the treatment plan remains appropriate. Clinical studies of valbenazine have used standardized movement assessments, such as the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), to evaluate treatment response.1,5,6,8 

How Rx4u May Support Access Through Named Patient Program Guidance 

In some regions, certain medications may not be readily available through standard retail channels. Programs such as the Named Patient Program may help facilitate access to appropriate medicines when permitted under local regulations. These programs typically involve physician oversight and regulatory processes designed to ensure medicines are obtained through approved pathways. Such programs do not replace medical care. A physician’s evaluation remains essential for determining whether valbenazine is an appropriate treatment option.





Conclusion
Involuntary movements after long-term medicine use should not be dismissed, because they may signal tardive dyskinesia. Valbenazine gives clinicians a targeted, once-daily option that can reduce symptoms in TD and also has a role in Huntington’s disease chorea.1,2 

Early recognition, appropriate clinical assessment, medication review, and ongoing follow-up can support appropriate management of TD.5,11 

 FAQs 

What is valbenazine used for? 

Valbenazine is used to treat tardive dyskinesia in adults and to treat chorea associated with Huntington’s disease.1 

Can valbenazine treat TD? 

Yes. It was the first FDA-approved medicine specifically for TD and has shown meaningful reductions in involuntary movement severity in clinical trials.1 

What causes TD? 

TD is associated with exposure to dopamine receptor-blocking medications, particularly antipsychotics and certain antiemetic or gastrointestinal prokinetic medicines.4,5,7 

 

Can valbenazine help with Huntington’s chorea? 

Yes. Valbenazine is approved for chorea associated with Huntington’s disease and has shown benefit in clinical studies.2 

What side effects should patients discuss before valbenazine? 

Patients should discuss sleepiness or tiredness, dizziness, restlessness, balance problems or falls, and relevant heart-rhythm concerns with their doctor.11 

 

How can patients access valbenazine with support? 

Access may be arranged through physician-led pathways such as a Named Patient Program, where the treating team handles clinical and regulatory steps with access support services.12 

 

References 

  1. Witek N, Comella C. Valbenazine in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. Neurodegener Dis Manag. 2019;9(2):73-81. doi:10.2217/nmt-2019-0001 

  1. Patino J, Furr Stimming E, Testa CM, Mehanna R. Valbenazine for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2025;26(2):127-132. doi:10.1080/14656566.2024.2445728 

  1. Sarva H, Henchcliffe C. Valbenazine as the first and only approved treatment for adults with tardive dyskinesia. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2018;11(3):209-217. doi:10.1080/17512433.2018.1429264 

  1. Touma KTB, Scarff JR. Valbenazine and deutetrabenazine for tardive dyskinesia. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2018;15(5-6):13-16. 

  1. Ricciardi L, Pringsheim T, Barnes TRE, et al. Treatment recommendations for tardive dyskinesia. Can J Psychiatry. 2019;64(6):388-399. doi:10.1177/0706743719828968 

  1. Freudenreich O, Remington G. Valbenazine for tardive dyskinesia. Clin Schizophr Relat Psychoses. 2017;11(2):113-119. 

  1. Raza M, Mars JA. Tardive Dyskinesia. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2026. Updated January 31, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448207/ 

  1. Kim ES, Lyseng-Williamson KA. Valbenazine in tardive dyskinesia: a profile of its use. Drugs Ther Perspect. 2018;34(3):99-104. doi:10.1007/s40267-018-0479-1 

  1. Huang J, Chen FF, Wen SY, et al. Efficacy and safety of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitors for Huntington's disease chorea based on network meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2025;16:1637577. doi:10.3389/fphar.2025.1637577 

  1. Nguyen HQ, Crass RL, Chapel S, Kuan HS, Loewen G, Brar S. Population pharmacokinetic and exposure-efficacy analyses of valbenazine in patients with Huntington's disease: supporting dose selection for chorea management. J Clin Pharmacol. 2025;65(12):1777-1788. doi:10.1002/jcph.70092 

  1. Valbenazine. MedlinePlus. Updated October 15, 2025. Accessed July 20, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a617023.html 

  1. Rx4U. Buy named patient program in India (NPP). Accessed July 20, 2026. https://rx4u.in/ 

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