Ingrezza works by selectively blocking vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). VMAT2 is associated with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in movement control.
Ingrezza is used to treat tardive dyskinesia (TD) and chorea associated with Huntington’s disease. Both conditions are characterized by rapid, involuntary, and unpredictable muscle movements.
To understand Ingrezza’s mechanism of action, it helps to look at dopamine’s role in movement control.
Under typical conditions, dopamine is packaged into tiny storage sacs (vesicles) within brain cells before being released to transmit signals.
Tardive dyskinesia can be triggered by prolonged exposure to antipsychotic medications. In these situations:
- The brain’s dopamine receptors become overly sensitive.
- Excessive dopamine signaling then overstimulates motor pathways, causing involuntary movements.
Quick note: Exactly how Ingrezza treats chorea associated with Huntington’s disease is unknown. But abnormal dopamine signaling can cause chorea, and Ingrezza helps to reduce dopamine signaling.
VMAT2 is a presynaptic membrane protein responsible for loading dopamine into storage sacs. Ingrezza specifically blocks VMAT2, which means:
- Less dopamine is transported into the storage sacs.
- When a brain cell sends a message, its storage sacs drop much less dopamine into the small space between cells.
- Lower dopamine levels in the brain help calm the brain regions that control movement, so they don’t get too excited or overloaded.
Yes, Ingrezza is effective. It helps to calm unpredictable brain signaling, leading to a visible reduction in involuntary movements of the face, torso, arms, or legs.
In studies, many people saw symptom improvement within 6 weeks for TD and 10 to 12 weeks for chorea associated with Huntington’s disease.
If you’ve just started taking Ingrezza, consider:
- Tracking your symptoms to help monitor for improvement.
- Following up with your doctor about whether your Ingrezza dosage may need to be adjusted.
- Taking Ingrezza exactly as prescribed to help the medication work at its best.
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