Tardive Dyskinesia is linked with the long-term use of certain mental health medications. Fortunately, you can learn everything you need to know about tardive dyskinesia with a search online right now, which could help you spot early symptoms.
This severe neurological condition presents an array of troubling symptoms affecting the face and body. Understanding the causes, the symptoms, and available management options is crucial for informed decision-making regarding treatment options.
1. Tardive Dyskinesia is a Side Effect of Certain Medications
While tardive dyskinesia might seem like an individual health concern, it’s actually caused by certain medications. It results after regular, long-term use of medications that are commonly used to treat mental illness, specifically antipsychotic medications. Approximately one in every four patients who are on long-term treatment with an antipsychotic will develop tardive dyskinesia.
In addition to being a side effect of antipsychotic medications, tardive dyskinesia can also be caused by some anti-nausea medications. And unfortunately, even if you stop taking the medication that is causing tardive dyskinesia, your symptoms may not disappear.
2. There Are Two Types of Tardive Dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia is a condition that’s characterized by sudden and uncontrollable stiff, jerky movements. However, there are two ways that tardive dyskinesia typically appears: in the face or in the limbs.
Orofacial dyskinesia is the name for symptoms that happen in your lips, jaw, tongue, or other facial muscles. Symptoms include fast blinking, chewing, smacking of the lips, and frowning. Dyskinesia of the limbs is the name for symptoms that appear in the limbs only – the arms, legs, fingers, and toes. Symptoms include wiggling fingers or toes, tapping feet, swaying side to side, and flapping arms.
Symptoms can vary depending on which type of tardive dyskinesia you develop. Additionally, some people can experience symptoms in both the face and limbs.
3. Developing Tardive Dyskinesia Can Leave You With Permanent Symptoms
Once you develop tardive dyskinesia, you’ll want to talk with your doctor. This side effect is very common – as many as 30 to 50 percent of people on antipsychotic medications develop tardive dyskinesia. But unfortunately, it doesn’t always go away.
Tardive dyskinesia can be permanent. Once it appears, you may have to live with stiff, jerky movements and symptoms for the rest of your life.
Fortunately, it’s possible that symptoms can be managed or eased. In some cases, changing your medication, adjusting the dose, or adding a different medication can control or alleviate symptoms. You should make sure to talk with your doctor about these options if you’re living with tardive dyskinesia.
4. Taking Any Antipsychotic Medication Can Cause Tardive Dyskinesia
Antipsychotic medication is the primary cause of tardive dyskinesia. More specifically, though, medications used to treat conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health issues are often the culprit.
These medications, which doctors sometimes call neuroleptic drugs, work by blocking dopamine, a brain chemical. Dopamine helps your muscles move smoothly – so when a medication blocks or limits that function, your movements may become jerky and uncontrollable.
Typically, antipsychotic medications will cause tardive dyskinesia in those who’ve been taking the drugs for three months or longer. The same is true of other medications that have tardive dyskinesia as a side effect, like drugs for nausea, acid reflux, or stomach and digestive medications.
5. Natural Remedies May Help Some Tardive Dyskinesia Symptoms
Commonly, tardive dyskinesia is treated or managed by adjusting medications. Making changes to the medications that are causing this side effect can alleviate or better control your symptoms.
However, in addition to working with your doctor to adjust your medication, you can also try alternative measures. Some alternative treatment options have shown a small benefit when used in people with tardive dyskinesia. Ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and melatonin may be able to help your movements. Just make sure you speak with your doctor before taking any supplements or trying these alternatives.
After the Diagnosis
For those who’ve just received a diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia, it’s crucial to adopt a multi-faceted approach to manage and possibly mitigate the condition. By focusing on meticulous medication management, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring, you and your doctor can design an individualized, holistic treatment plan.
Engaging in open dialogue with healthcare providers is essential to explore alternative medications and therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, individuals, their families, and caregivers can proactively seek education and support about the condition, enabling them to navigate the associated challenges more effectively.
Know Your Risk Level
If you’re taking antipsychotic medications, or any other medications that may have tardive dyskinesia as a symptom, make sure you know the risk. Explore additional online research and talk with your doctor to understand what might happen. By doing this, you can be better prepared for potential changes to your overall health.