Tardive dyskinesia Health Article

Definition

Tardive dyskinesia is a disorder that causes involuntary movements (especially of the lower face).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Tardive dyskinesia is serious side effect of long-term use of drugs called neuroleptics. The most commonly used neuroleptics are older anti-psychotic drugs, including haloperidol, trifluoperazine, or fluphenazine.

Symptoms

The abnormal movements include tongue thrusting, repetitive chewing, jaw swinging, or facial grimacing.

Expectations (prognosis)

If diagnosed early, the condition may be reversed by stopping the drug that caused the symptoms. In some cases, even if the antipsychotic drugs are stopped, the involuntary movements may become significantly worse or permanent.

References

Nasrallah HA. Focus on lower risk of tardive dyskinesia with atypical antipsychotics. Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2006 Jan-Mar;18(1):57-62.

Chen JJ, Lee KC. Nonparkinsonism movement disorders in the elderly. Consult Pharm. 2006 Jan;21(1):58-71.

Margolese HC, Chouinard G, Kolivakis TT, Beauclair L, Miller R. Tardive dyskinesia in the era of typical and atypical antipsychotics. Part 1: pathophysiology and mechanisms of induction. Can J Psychiatry. 2005 Aug;50(9):541-7. Review.