Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is estimated to affect at least 500,000 people in the U.S. within the next year. It affects those who use certain medications in the treatment of depression, epileptic seizures, anxiety, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, heartburn and even nausea. There are many medications associated with TD, and the list of medications is extensive. Many people are not aware of the first signs of the disorder. The longer it goes undiagnosed, the more likely you are to develop an even more persistent and irreversible form of tardive dyskinesia.
According to Mental Health America, Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological disorder caused by the long-term use of neuroleptic drugs, or anti-psychotic medications. Neuroleptic drugs are generally prescribed for psychiatric disorders, as well as for some gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Neuroleptic drugs work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers, but also plays a major role in motor functioning. As a result, neuroleptic drugs can cause disorders affecting the motor system.
Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive and involuntary movements. Approximately 60 to 70 percent of the cases are mild, with about three percent being extremely severe. Severe cases may involve problems such as difficulty swallowing, speech interference, disfigured facial features, and breathing trouble.
Not sure how severe your Tardive dyskinesia symptoms are? Here are symptoms to consider, from mild to the most severe:
Facial and oral movements are the most common presenting signs. Early signs of Tardive Dyskinesia include subtle movements of the surface or body of the tongue, increased eye blinking, and jerking of the fingers or toes. There may be involuntary movements of the forehead, eyebrows, periorbital area, and cheeks, as well as involuntary frowning, blinking, smiling, and grimacing.
Also typical are involuntary puckering, pouting, and smacking of the lips. Involuntary biting, clenching, chewing, mouth opening, and lateral movements of the jaw may also occur, along with protrusion, tremor, and choreoathetoid movements (ie, rolling, worm-like movement of the tongue without displacement from the mouth).
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Movements of the arms, wrists, hands, and fingers will occur in their moderate form. Occasional involuntary movements of the knees, ankles, and toes, as well as inversion or eversion of the foot, are possible at this stage as well. Abnormal movements of the neck and shoulders and hip rocking and twisting are other components of a moderate form of Tardive Dyskinesia.
In severe cases, facial features can become permanently disfigured, as well as limbs and trunks. The muscles used for respiration can be affected, leading to grunts, breathing difficulties, and the inability to swallow or speak. Sometimes, the legs can be so severely affected that walking becomes difficult in this stage.
Yes, tardive dyskinesia can be managed and treated. Treatment options include adjusting or stopping the medication causing TD (under a doctor’s supervision), and specific FDA-approved medications such as valbenazine and deutetrabenazine. Early diagnosis and intervention improve the chances of managing symptoms effectively.
Anxiety itself does not cause tardive dyskinesia. TD is primarily linked to long-term use of certain medications, especially antipsychotics and some other dopamine-blocking drugs. However, anxiety can sometimes cause movement symptoms like tremors or tics, which are different from TD.
In some cases, TD symptoms may improve or partially resolve after stopping the causative medication, but TD often persists and can be permanent if not treated. Early detection and treatment improve the likelihood of symptom improvement.
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You should see a doctor promptly if you notice any unusual, involuntary movements, especially if you are taking or have taken antipsychotic or dopamine-blocking medications for a long time. Early evaluation helps with timely diagnosis and treatment, which can prevent worsening of symptoms. Also, if you experience new or worsening movement symptoms or if your quality of life is affected, consult your healthcare provider.
Paying attention to your body and its functions is imperative when taking any medication. Whether prescribed or over-the-counter, it’s important to research all ingredients and side effects, then compare which is the right choice for you.
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.
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