Which drug is used to treat Huntington chorea?

• A. Tetrabenazine
• B. Levodopa
• C. Haloperidol
• D. Gabapentin

Answer: (A)

Treating Huntington chorea focuses on dampening the involuntary movements by reducing dopaminergic activity in the brain. Tetrabenazine does exactly this by inhibiting VMAT2, which decreases the storage and release of monoamines (notably dopamine) in presynaptic neurons. With less dopamine available to drive the motor circuits that generate chorea, the abnormal movements lessen, often significantly improving function and quality of life. This mechanism makes tetrabenazine the go-to option specifically aimed at controlling chorea in Huntington disease.

Levodopa increases dopamine and would likely worsen chorea, so it isn’t suitable. Haloperidol can suppress movements but it’s a broad dopamine antagonist with extrapyramidal side effects and long-term risks; it’s not the ideal first-line targeted treatment for chorea itself. Gabapentin has no meaningful effect on chorea and is used for other indications such as neuropathic pain or seizures. Therefore, tetrabenazine is the best choice for addressing Huntington chorea.