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VMAT2 Inhibitors for Tardive Dyskinesia: What Psychiatrists Should Know
Arthur N Westover1, Jennifer Perez1, Zena Patel1
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)
|August 1, 2026
Summary
Tardive dyskinesia (TD), involuntary movements from antipsychotics, can be effectively managed. Two FDA-approved VMAT2 inhibitors, deutetrabenazine and valbenazine, are now first-line treatments, improving patient health and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Tardive dyskinesia (TD) involves involuntary movements linked to antipsychotic medication use.
- Despite lower risk with newer agents, widespread use causes significant public health issues.
- The FDA approved two selective vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors in 2017, transforming TD management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and safety of FDA-approved VMAT2 inhibitors for tardive dyskinesia.
- To highlight their role as first-line treatments in current practice guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and practice guidelines.
- Analysis of efficacy and safety data for deutetrabenazine and valbenazine.
Main Results:
- Deutetrabenazine and valbenazine are effective in managing TD symptoms.
- These VMAT2 inhibitors demonstrate favorable safety profiles.
- Current guidelines recommend them as first-line therapy for troublesome TD.
Conclusions:
- VMAT2 inhibitors represent a significant advancement in TD treatment.
- These medications offer substantial benefits, improving patient health and quality of life.
- The therapeutic landscape for tardive dyskinesia has been positively transformed.
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