MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Tardive dyskinesia

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Tardive dyskinesia

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes	Symptoms Outlook (Prognosis) References

Illustrations

Central nervous system

Definition Return to top

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

Causes Return to top

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 Return to top

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

Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top

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 Return to top

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.

Update Date: 4/28/2006

Updated by: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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