Tardive dyskinesia (patient information)

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer

Tardive dyskinesia is a disorder that involves involuntary movements, especially of the lower face. Tardive means “delayed” and dyskinesia means “abnormal movement.”

• Facial grimacing
• Jaw swinging
• Repetitive chewing
• Tongue thrusting

Tardive dyskinesia is a serious side effect that occurs when you take medications called neuroleptics. It occurs most frequently when the medications are taken for a long time, but in some cases it can also occur after you take them for a short amount of time.

The drugs that most commonly cause this disorder are older antipsychotic drugs, including:

• Haloperidol

• Fluphenazine

• Trifluoperazine

Other drugs, similar to antipsychotic drugs, that can cause tardive dyskinesia include:

• Cinnarizine

• Flunarizine (Sibelium)

• Metoclopramide

People taking medications called neuroleptics are at risk for tardive dyskinesia. Examples of these medications are listed above.

Directions to Hospitals Treating Tardive dyskinesia

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

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000685.htm

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