• Atrest 12.5 Tablet is used to treat chorea (which is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, jerky movements) associated with Huntington's disease
• It balances dopamine levels, reducing movements and improving function
• This helps it easier for the person to move and function better
• Atrest 12.5 Tablet should be taken with or without food
• However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body
• Take this in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember
• This medication must not be stopped suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may worsen your symptoms
• However, discontinue this medicine immediately if you experience neuroleptic malignant syndrome, characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, and altered consciousness or seizures.
• Some common side effects of this medicine include nausea, insomnia(difficulty sleeping), anxiety, fatigue, akathisia (restlessness and inability to stay still), and depression
• It also causes dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you
• Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts while taking this medicine.

Uses of Atrest 12.5 Tablet

• Huntington's disease

Missed Doses

If you miss a dose of Atrest 12.5 Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Frequestly asked Questions

Can Atrest 12.5 Tablet be crushed?

No, Atrest 12.5 Tablet should not be crushed, cut, or chewed. It needs to be swallowed as a whole. But if you cannot swallow the whole tablet, tell your doctor who will probably prescribe you another medicine.

Is Atrest 12.5 Tablet an antipsychotic?

Atrest 12.5 Tablet is not an antipsychotic. It belongs to the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor class of medicines. It works by changing the activity of some natural substances in the brain that affect muscles and nerves.

What is the most important information that I should know about Atrest 12.5 Tablet?

Atrest 12.5 Tablet may increase the risk of depression or suicidal thoughts in patients with Huntington’s disease. Huntington’s disease is an inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Therefore, you should not take Atrest 12.5 Tablet if you have Huntington’s disease along with depression.

What should I avoid while taking Atrest 12.5 Tablet?

Sleepiness is a common side effect of Atrest 12.5 Tablet. Therefore, you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel sleepy while taking Atrest 12.5 Tablet.

Can I stop taking Atrest 12.5 Tablet on my own?

No, you should not stop taking Atrest 12.5 Tablet suddenly, without talking to your doctor. Sudden discontinuation of the medicine may cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome. This can be characterized by high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, hallucinations, increased sweating, and very fast or uneven heart beat. Hence, to avoid such side effects your doctor will gradually reduce your dose.

Can I take alcohol while on Atrest 12.5 Tablet?

You should avoid alcohol since it may add to the sleepiness caused by Atrest 12.5 Tablet. Similarly, you should avoid taking medicines which cause sleepiness. If you are not sure about the effects of the medicine, consult with your doctor.

Does Atrest 12.5 Tablet affect blood pressure?

Yes, Atrest 12.5 Tablet may affect the blood pressure. In some patients it may decrease the levels of blood pressure. Along with that, one may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting while getting up quickly from a lying position (orthostatic hypotension). To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, rest your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.

Common and Known Side effects of Atrest 12.5 Tablet

• Nausea
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Sleepiness
• Akathisia (inability to stay still)
• Depression