what is tardive dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, and/or other body parts. It is primarily caused by prolonged use of treatments that block dopamine receptors in the brain, such as antipsychotics commonly prescribed to treat mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, and certain anti-nausea medications. The symptoms of TD often can be persistent and potentially disabling, impacting emotional and social well-being. These symptoms include involuntary facial tics like lip-smacking, tongue thrusting, rapid blinking, and uncontrollable movements of the limbs. TD primarily occurs as a side effect of long-term use of certain medications and can become a permanent condition even after a person stops taking the medication. While anyone taking an antipsychotic may develop TD, the risk can be higher for certain people, and the risk of developing TD rises with prolonged use of medications for nausea and medications that treat neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Treatment options for TD include lowering the dose of the medication, adding another medication to counteract the movements, or switching to a different drug. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved specific treatments for TD, such as valbenazine (Ingrezza) and deutetrabenazine (Austedo) . If someone experiences movements they cant control, it is important to inform their doctor right away to explore appropriate management options.