Important Facts About Tardive Dyskinesia

Certain Medications Cause Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia is a disorder caused by long-term use of neuroleptics. The National Organization for Rare Disorders says these medications typically help people manage disorders related to mental, neurological, or gastrointestinal health issues.

While it’s possible someone can develop TD after using certain medications for a short period of time, it’s most common in patients who have taken the medications for several years. According to Healthline, the medications most commonly linked to tardive dyskinesia are:

• Chlorpromazine;
• Fluphenazine;
• Haloperidol;
• Metoclopramide;
• Perphenazine;
• Prochlorperazine;
• Thioridazine;
• Antidepressant medications, and;
• Antiseizure medications.

Antipsychotic Medications Can Cause Tardive Dyskinesia

Antipsychotic medications are prescribed by doctors to treat a variety of conditions. It helps to reduce or relieve symptoms of delusions and hallucinations. Some conditions this type of medication may help treat includes schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

According to The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, a person has a five percent chance of developing tardive dyskinesia for every year they take an antipsychotic medication. Although it’s more common among first generation antipsychotics, TD can be triggered by second generation medications as well.

There Are Natural Remedies

The most common way to treat TD typically involves movement disorder medications or adjusting your current medications. Additionally, there’s actually a natural remedy that also improves symptoms — getting regular exercise.

The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) says physical activity can help relieve movement symptoms, such as tremors, balancing issues, and flexibility. Plus, it’s known to improve cognitive function and even reduce negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Another natural remedy that may be helpful is taking an herbal supplement of ginkgo biloba. NAMI explains how this is a second-level treatment option that may also provide some relief of symptoms.