What is Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia is a disorder that causes uncontrollable body movements. It occurs in some people who are taking certain medicines to treat a mental illness (neuroleptic medicine) or have taken this type of medicine in the past.

These medicines block the effects of a specific brain chemical (dopamine). Sometimes, tardive dyskinesia starts months or years after someone took the medicine. Not everyone who takes a neuroleptic medicine will get tardive dyskinesia.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by changes in your brain that are associated with taking a neuroleptic medicine.

What increases the risk?

If you are taking a neuroleptic medicine, your risk for tardive dyskinesia may be higher if you:

• Are taking an older type of neuroleptic medicine.
• Have been taking the medicine for a long time at a high dose.
• Are a woman past the age of menopause.
• Are older than 60.
• Have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Abnormal, uncontrollable movements are the main symptom of tardive dyskinesia. These types of movements may include:

• Grimacing.
• Sticking out or twisting your tongue.
• Making chewing or sucking sounds.
• Making grunting or sighing noises.
• Blinking your eyes.
• Twisting, swaying, or thrusting your body.
• Foot tapping or finger waving.
• Rapid movements of your arms or legs.

How is this diagnosed?

Your health care provider may suspect that you have tardive dyskinesia if:

• You have been taking neuroleptic medicines.
• You have abnormal movements that you cannot control.

If you are taking a medicine that can cause tardive dyskinesia, your health care provider may screen you for early signs of the condition. This may include:

• Observing your body movements.
• Using a specific rating scale called the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS).

You may also have tests to rule out other conditions that cause abnormal body movements, including:

• Parkinson’s disease.
• Huntington’s disease.
• Stroke.

How is this treated?

The best treatment for tardive dyskinesia is to lower the dose of your medicine or to switch to a different medicine at the first sign of abnormal and uncontrolled movements. There is no cure for long-term (chronic) tardive dyskinesia. Some medicines may help control the movements. These include:

• Clozapine, a medicine used to treat mental illness (antipsychotic).
• Some muscle relaxants.
• Some anti-seizure medicines.
• Some medicines used to treat high blood pressure.
• Some tranquilizers (sedatives).

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. Do not stop or start taking any medicines without talking to your health care provider first.
• Do not abuse drugs or alcohol.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You are unable to eat or drink.
• You have had a fall.
• Your symptoms get worse.

Summary

• Tardive dyskinesia is a disorder that causes uncontrollable body movements. These may include grimacing, sticking out or twisting your tongue, blinking your eyes, or rapid movements of your arms or legs.
• The condition occurs in some people who are taking certain medicines to treat a mental illness (neuroleptic medicine) or have taken this type of medicine in the past.
• The best treatment for tardive dyskinesia is to lower the dose of your medicine or to switch to a different medicine at the first sign of abnormal and uncontrolled movements.
• There is no cure for long-term (chronic) tardive dyskinesia, but some medicines may help control the movements.