Ingrezza (valbenazine) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for specific movement disorders in adults. Ingrezza comes as a capsule that’s typically taken once per day.

Ingrezza is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat:

Ingrezza belongs to a drug class called vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitors. Ingrezza is not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Ingrezza, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Ingrezza, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Ingrezza provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Ingrezza, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Commonly recommended dosages for Ingrezza are described below. However, your doctor will prescribe the Ingrezza dosage that’s right for you.

Ingrezza form

Ingrezza comes as oral capsules. You’ll take the capsules by swallowing them.

Ingrezza strengths: 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg

Ingrezza is available in the following strengths:

  • 40 milligrams (mg)
  • 60 mg
  • 80 mg

Typical dosages

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for chorea related to Huntington’s disease

Ingrezza is approved to treat chorea related to Huntington’s diseasein adults. The usual dosage for this indication is as follows:

  • Starting dosage: 40 mg once per day
  • Maintenance dosage: 40–80 mg once per day
  • Maximum dosage: 80 mg once per day

Dosage for tardive dyskinesia

Ingrezza is approved to treat tardive dyskinesia in adults. The usual dosage for this indication is as follows:

  • Starting dosage: 40 mg once per day
  • Maintenance dosage: 40 mg to 80 mg once per day
  • Maximum dosage: 80 mg once per day

Long-term treatment

Ingrezza is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Ingrezza is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Doctors may adjust the dosage of Ingrezza for some people. Possible reasons for dosage changes are described below.

Dosage adjustments

The Ingrezza dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • how your body responds to Ingrezza
  • other medications you take
  • whether you have liver disease

Additionally, doctors will adjust Ingrezza dosages for people whose bodies have difficulty breaking down Ingrezza.

Ingrezza comes as an oral capsule. You’ll take it once per day, with or without food.

You should take Ingrezza around the same time each day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Ingrezza can work effectively.

If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

If you’re having trouble reading your prescription label, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Ingrezza in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss a dose of Ingrezza, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then, take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time.

Do not double up or take two doses to make up for a missed dose. If you need help deciding whether to take a missed dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

It’s important that you do not take more Ingrezza than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to side effects or overdose.

If you take more than the recommended amount of Ingrezza

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Ingrezza. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some common questions related to Ingrezza’s dosage.

How long will my doctor wait before increasing my dosage of Ingrezza?

The recommended starting dosage of Ingrezza for the conditions it treats is 40 milligrams (mg) once per day.

If you’re taking Ingrezza for tardive dyskinesia, your doctor will wait 1 week before increasing the dosage. After a week, the usual maintenance dosage is 80 mg once per day.

If you’re taking Ingrezza for chorea related to Huntington’s disease, your doctor will wait 2 weeks before increasing your dosage to 60 mg once per day for 2 weeks. Then they’ll increase your dosage again to the usual maintenance dosage of 80 mg once per day.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have additional questions about your Ingrezza dosage.

Do doctors prescribe a 60-mg dose of Ingrezza?

Yes, they might. Some people take a 60-mg once-per-day maintenance dosage instead of the usual 80-mg once-per-day dosage.

After you’ve reached the maintenance dosage of 80 mg once per day, your doctor will determine how your body responds to the medication. If needed, they may reduce your dosage to 60 mg once per day. This can help improve how well your body tolerates Ingrezza and may reduce certain side effects of the drug.

Do not change your dosage of Ingrezza without first talking with your doctor. If you think your dose is either too high or too low, tell your doctor about your concerns.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Ingrezza for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Ingrezza without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Ingrezza that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Ingrezza. These additional articles might be helpful:

  • More about Ingrezza. For information about other aspects of Ingrezza, refer to this article.
  • Side effects. To learn about side effects of Ingrezza, see this article. You can also look at the Ingrezza prescribing information.
  • Drug comparison. To find out how Ingrezza compares with Austedo, read this article.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.