Ways to lessen the disease
There is no treatment that can get rid of the actual disease, but there are drugs that can make the symptoms go down. Also, a person with the disorder should be active and get plenty of exercise if possible.
Drugs and Medicines:
Medications for movement disorders:
Tetrabenizine: (Xenazine) is specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration to suppress the involuntary jerking and writhing movements (chorea) associated with the Huntington's disorder.
Side effects -
~ Risk of worsening or triggering depression and other psychiatric conditions
Antipsychotic drugs: Haloperidol (Haldol) and Chlorpromazine, suppress movements. Therefore, they may be beneficial in treating chorea. Risperidone (Risperdal) and Quetiapine (Seroquel), may have fewer side effects but still should be used with caution, as they may also worsen symptoms.
Side Effects -
~ Worsen involuntary contractions (dystonia)
~ Muscle rigidity
Other medications: Help suppress chorea.
- Amantadine: At high doses, Amantadine can worsen the cognitive effects of Huntington's disease. It may also cause leg swelling and skin discoloration.
- Levetiracetam (Keppra): Side effects include nausea, stomach upset, and mood swings.
- Clonazepam (Klonopin): May worsen the cognitive side effects of Huntington's disease and cause drowsiness. Also has a high risk of dependence and abuse.
Medications for psychiatric disorders:
Antidepressants: Citalopram (Celexa, Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), and Sertraline (Zoloft).
May have some effect on treating obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Side Effects:
~ Nausea
~ Diarrhea
~ Drowsiness
~ Low blood pressure
Antipsychotic drugs: Quetiapine (Seroquel), Risperidone (Risperdal), and Olanzapine (Zyprexa). May suppress violent outbursts, agitation, and other symptoms of mood disorders or psychosis.
Side Effects:
~ May cause different movement disorders themselves
Mood-stabilizing drugs: Prevent the highs and lows associated with bipolar disorder. Include anticonvulsants, such as Valproate (Depacon), Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro), and Lamotrigine (Lamictal).
Side Effects:
~ Weight gain
~ Tremor
~ Gastrointestinal problems
Other Treatments Include:
~ Psychotherapy
~ Speech Therapy
~ Physical Therapy
~ Occupational Therapy
~ Exercising
Drugs and Medicines:
Medications for movement disorders:
Tetrabenizine: (Xenazine) is specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration to suppress the involuntary jerking and writhing movements (chorea) associated with the Huntington's disorder.
Side effects -
~ Risk of worsening or triggering depression and other psychiatric conditions
Antipsychotic drugs: Haloperidol (Haldol) and Chlorpromazine, suppress movements. Therefore, they may be beneficial in treating chorea. Risperidone (Risperdal) and Quetiapine (Seroquel), may have fewer side effects but still should be used with caution, as they may also worsen symptoms.
Side Effects -
~ Worsen involuntary contractions (dystonia)
~ Muscle rigidity
Other medications: Help suppress chorea.
- Amantadine: At high doses, Amantadine can worsen the cognitive effects of Huntington's disease. It may also cause leg swelling and skin discoloration.
- Levetiracetam (Keppra): Side effects include nausea, stomach upset, and mood swings.
- Clonazepam (Klonopin): May worsen the cognitive side effects of Huntington's disease and cause drowsiness. Also has a high risk of dependence and abuse.
Medications for psychiatric disorders:
Antidepressants: Citalopram (Celexa, Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), and Sertraline (Zoloft).
May have some effect on treating obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Side Effects:
~ Nausea
~ Diarrhea
~ Drowsiness
~ Low blood pressure
Antipsychotic drugs: Quetiapine (Seroquel), Risperidone (Risperdal), and Olanzapine (Zyprexa). May suppress violent outbursts, agitation, and other symptoms of mood disorders or psychosis.
Side Effects:
~ May cause different movement disorders themselves
Mood-stabilizing drugs: Prevent the highs and lows associated with bipolar disorder. Include anticonvulsants, such as Valproate (Depacon), Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro), and Lamotrigine (Lamictal).
Side Effects:
~ Weight gain
~ Tremor
~ Gastrointestinal problems
Other Treatments Include:
~ Psychotherapy
~ Speech Therapy
~ Physical Therapy
~ Occupational Therapy
~ Exercising