Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia is a condition that causes uncontrollable, jerky movements of the face and body. It’s a side effect of taking antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia and other mental health disorders.

Symptoms of TD:

• Orofacial dyskinesia: Involuntary movements involving the lips, jaw, or tongue, leading to actions like tongue protrusion, rapid blinking, chewing, lip smacking, puffing out cheeks, frowning, or grunting.
• Dyskinesia of the limbs: Affecting the arms, legs, fingers, and toes, resulting in actions such as finger wiggling, foot tapping, arm flapping, pelvic thrusting, or swaying from side to side. These movements may occur at different speeds and can interfere with daily activities and mobility.

What causes TD?

• Antipsychotic medications block a brain chemical called dopamine, which helps control movement. When dopamine levels are too low, movements become jerky and uncontrollable.
• The longer you take antipsychotic medications, the higher the risk of developing TD.
• Certain medications for nausea, reflux, and stomach problems can also cause TD with long-term use.

Risk factors for TD

• Taking antipsychotic medications for a long time (usually over 3 months)
• Being an older adult, especially over 55
• Being female and postmenopausal
• Having a history of alcohol or drug abuse
• Belonging to African American or Asian American ethnicities

Diagnosing TD:

• There’s no specific test for TD. Doctors diagnose it based on your symptoms and medical history, especially regarding antipsychotic medication use.
• A physical exam called the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) helps doctors assess the severity of movements.
• Other tests may be done to rule out other conditions that cause abnormal movements.

Prevention and treatment of TD

The primary objective in managing tardive dyskinesia (TD) is prevention. When your doctor prescribes a new medication to address a mental health condition, it’s crucial to inquire about potential side effects. Evaluating the balance between the benefits of the drug and its associated risks is essential.

If you experience movement-related issues, it’s important to inform your doctor promptly. However, it’s not advisable to discontinue the medication independently. Your doctor can make adjustments by either discontinuing the medication responsible for the movements or reducing the dosage.

In some cases, transitioning to a newer antipsychotic medication may be recommended, as these newer formulations tend to have a lower likelihood of inducing TD.

For individuals diagnosed with TD, there are two FDA-approved medications available:

1. Deutetrabenazine (Austedo)
2. Valbenazine (Ingrezza)

Both of these medications function similarly by regulating dopamine levels in specific brain regions that govern certain types of movements. It’s worth noting that both medications may occasionally cause drowsiness, and Austedo has been associated with potential depressive symptoms, particularly in patients with Huntington’s disease.

While there’s no definitive evidence supporting the efficacy of natural remedies in treating TD, some individuals report relief from symptoms with certain supplements, including:

• Ginkgo biloba
• Melatonin
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin E

However, it’s important to consult with your doctor before incorporating any supplements into your treatment regimen to ensure their safety and effectiveness for managing TD symptoms.

Natural remedies haven’t been proven effective for TD, but some people find relief with supplements like ginkgo biloba, melatonin, or vitamins B6 and E. However, always consult your doctor before taking any supplements.