What Is Ingrezza? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Ingrezza (generic name: valbenazine) is a prescription medication used to treat two movement disorders in adults: tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington's disease. It was the first drug ever FDA-approved specifically for tardive dyskinesia — a milestone that arrived in April 2017. If you or a family member has been prescribed Ingrezza, this guide covers the basics you need to know.

What Is Ingrezza Used For?

Ingrezza is FDA-approved for two conditions:

Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): A nervous system disorder that causes repetitive, involuntary movements — usually of the face (lip smacking, grimacing, tongue movements, chewing) but also of the arms, legs, or trunk. TD develops as a side effect of long-term use of antipsychotic medications and some other drugs (like metoclopramide). Ingrezza was approved for TD in April 2017.

Chorea Associated with Huntington's Disease (HD): Huntington's disease causes progressive neurological damage, and chorea (irregular, involuntary movements) is one of its most disabling motor symptoms. Ingrezza was approved for HD chorea in August 2023.

Ingrezza is NOT an antipsychotic. It does not treat the underlying psychiatric conditions that caused TD or the neurodegeneration of HD — it treats the involuntary movement symptoms.

What Drug Class Is Ingrezza?

Ingrezza belongs to a drug class called VMAT2 inhibitors (vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitors). VMAT2 is a protein that helps load dopamine into vesicles inside nerve cells for release. Ingrezza blocks this protein, reducing the amount of dopamine available in the synapse — which helps reduce the abnormal movements associated with TD and HD chorea.

What Forms and Strengths Does Ingrezza Come In?

Ingrezza is available in two formulations:

Ingrezza capsules: Swallowed whole. Available in 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg.

Ingrezza Sprinkle capsules: Can be opened and sprinkled on soft food (like applesauce). Useful for patients who have trouble swallowing pills. Also available in 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg.

What Is the Usual Ingrezza Dosage?

Ingrezza is taken once daily, with or without food.

For Tardive Dyskinesia: Start at 40 mg once daily for 1 week. After 1 week, increase to the recommended dose of 80 mg once daily. Some patients may continue at 40 mg or 60 mg depending on tolerability.

For HD Chorea: Start at 40 mg once daily, then increase in 20 mg increments every 1–2 weeks as tolerated, up to a maximum of 80 mg/day.

Dose adjustments: Reduce to 40 mg/day for moderate-to-severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh 7–15), strong CYP2D6 inhibitors, or known CYP2D6 poor metabolizers.

How Quickly Does Ingrezza Work?

Many patients begin seeing improvement in involuntary movements within the first 2 weeks of treatment at the 80 mg dose. In HD chorea clinical trials, 80% of patients had measurable reduction in chorea scores by Week 2. Full benefit may take several weeks. Ingrezza reaches steady-state blood levels within about 1 week of consistent dosing.

Is Ingrezza a Controlled Substance?

No. Ingrezza is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance. There are no special requirements for refills beyond what your insurance requires for any specialty medication. However, Ingrezza is only available through specialty pharmacies.

Key Things to Know Before Starting Ingrezza

Tell your doctor about all medications you take, especially MAOIs, strong CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers, and CYP2D6 inhibitors.

Avoid driving until you know how Ingrezza affects your alertness.

Do not take Ingrezza if you have a known allergy to valbenazine or any of its ingredients.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss risks with your doctor before starting Ingrezza.

Want a deeper dive into how the drug works? Read: How Does Ingrezza Work? Mechanism of Action Explained.

Need help locating Ingrezza at a pharmacy near you? medfinder calls pharmacies on your behalf to find which ones can fill your prescription.