{"id":8792,"date":"2019-08-02T09:21:08","date_gmt":"2019-08-02T09:21:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=8792"},"modified":"2022-02-07T08:45:26","modified_gmt":"2022-02-07T08:45:26","slug":"14-common-symptoms-of-tardive-dyskinesia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-common-symptoms-of-tardive-dyskinesia\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Tardive Dyskinesia is a condition that develops as a side effect of antipsychotic drugs. Not everyone who is on these medications may experience symptoms of tardive dyskinesia or TD, but those who are taking these drugs for many years or who are taking several different types of antipsychotic drugs simultaneously run a higher risk of developing the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antipsychotic drugs are used to treat such conditions as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Many of them regulate dopamine, a chemical in the body that is in charge of communication between cells. Many forms of psychosis involve an excess of dopamine. When these drugs limit the amount of dopamine, people may experience hyperactive movements, such as involuntary trembling and blinking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who develop TD may need to have their medication doses altered or have their doctors prescribe new medications. It is necessary for TD sufferers to consult their doctors before ceasing medication or making any other changes. 
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1. Jerky Movements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because antipsychotic medications tend to reduce the amount of dopamine <\/a>in the system, people with TD tend to move erratically and find it difficult to control their physical movements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dopamine helps the cells of the body communicate smoothly, and a sudden reduction of the chemical in the body can make this communication inconsistent and jerky. TD sufferers may notice that their arms or legs may move suddenly and they do not feel in control of their bodies. Sudden muscle twitching can interfere with ordinary activities and can even keep sufferers from sleeping at night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physical therapy can help those with TD keep their movements under control, but a better method is to have a doctor adjust the dose of antipsychotic medications. If the medication is absolutely essential, the doctor can prescribe treatment for the side effects. It may take a few adjustments before the symptoms disappear completely. 
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2. General Restlessness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tardive dyskinesia <\/a>is characterized by spastic movements that can affect one area of the body or the whole system. Some may find the restlessness confined to movements of the arms and legs or there may be blinking and facial twitching. Some sufferers experience eye twitching, blinking, and uncontrollable movement of the lips, such as puckering and smacking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The physical restlessness can be extended to feelings of anxiety, insomnia, or hyperactivity. It may be difficult to concentrate, and some people find that their work and social life may suffer from the symptoms of TD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While herbal treatments and meditation can help relieve some of the restlessness, it is important for TD suffers to consult with their physicians to determine ways to combat this restlessness if it is decided that they still need to take their medication. The dose could be adjusted or additional medication may be needed to help TD sufferers relax.  
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3. Slow Movements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although most people with TD move more quickly or erratically, in some cases, symptoms of TD may be characterized by slower movements. One reason for this is the level of dopamine that exists in the body as the result of antipsychotic drugs. The less dopamine there is in the system. The less efficient the communication between cells is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psychosis is caused by an excess of dopamine which throws off this communication. Anti-psychotic drugs lower dopamine <\/a>levels and can disrupt signals between cells. This can delay the information that is passed from one cell to another and can result in slower movement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, someone may feel so shaky that they may try harder to focus and to move and they may move more slowly than they would usually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Muscle Spasms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A person with TD may find that their legs and arms move uncontrollably no matter how much they try to control their movements. The reason for this is that the dopamine that controls muscle movement is reduced with anti-psychotic medication and the muscles move erratically because the communication between cells is not efficient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The spasms can occur anywhere in the body, but they are often in the arms, legs, and face. These muscle spasms <\/a>are not only uncomfortable physically but can also be embarrassing socially and may compound the emotional difficulties suffered by those who take antipsychotic drugs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having the dosage of the drugs checked and adjusted is essential, so it is important to address concerns with a doctor. You may have to have the dosage reduced, have a replacement medication or additional medication to stop the spasms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Insomnia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because of the other symptoms of TD, such as muscle spasms and uncontrollable eye twitching and blinking, TD sufferers may have difficulty sleeping. They may wake up several times in the night with their legs or arms moving or facial muscles twitching. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some may rely on sleep medications to get a good night\u2019s sleep, but these medicines can have side effects such as drowsiness during the day, which may compound the problem. In addition, many people develop a physical dependency on sleep medications, which can make insomnia worse. It is better to deal with the root of the problem, namely, the TD rather than treating the symptom of insomnia<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having drugs adjusted can help relieve sleeplessness and restless movements. In addition, meditation may be useful to relax before bedtime to make sleeping easier. Also, try some alternative ways of promoting relaxation and sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Anxiety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not only does erratic body movement appear like anxiety, but one may actually feel anxiety <\/a>as the result of physical restlessness over which they have no control. In addition to underlying psychological issues TD suffers may have, the feeling of losing power over one\u2019s own body can lead to depression and anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The constant frustration over trying to control one\u2019s movements can cause one to finally feel panic and there may be a significant emotional upset. In addition, if someone suffers from psychosis, to begin with, they may experience delusional thinking over what is causing their twitching and involuntary muscular movements, particularly if they skip doses because of their discomfort with their medications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of this anxiety can be dealt with through therapy and counseling, but dealing with the root cause, adjusting medication with the assistance of a doctor is a good first step. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Eye Blinking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not only do muscles in the arm and the legs start moving uncontrollably if someone has TD, but there may also be involuntary movements of the eyes, including blinking and twitching<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excessive blinking can interfere with vision and everyday activities such as reading. You can take medication that will relieve the constant blinking if you need to continue taking anti-psychotic medication or if your physician agrees that you can reduce your medication or take another treatment, then you may see a cessation of eye blinking and other symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simple exercises such as trying to focus hard on one object to keep your eyes from twitching can reduce erratic eye movements. Meditation and relaxation techniques may not solve the problem entirely but they can reduce eye blinking or at least the anxiety that can arise from spontaneous blinking and muscle movement. Herbal preparations can also help reduce blinking.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Mouth Movements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most distressing aspects of TD is that one\u2019s mouth may move uncontrollably and make smacking or puckering movements. This can happen during speaking, which can be embarrassing socially and can also interfere with eating. As with other symptoms, the problem can be solved by adjusting medications<\/a>, but there may be a few attempts before getting the combination correct and erasing undesirable symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Until the problem is solved, other strategies such as medication, herbal preparations, and acupuncture may prevent uncontrollable mouth movements and can help ease symptoms of TD. Physical therapy can be helpful for coping with difficulties in speaking that may result from TD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People may experience anxiety with these symptoms and may need counseling to cope with feelings of powerlessness that may accompany erratic mouth movements and other symptoms of TD. Sharing your problems with others who have the same issues in a TD support group can improve your peace of mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tardive dyskinesia is a problem that arises as a side effect of antipsychotic drugs. Those who suffer from conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may take medications that reduce the amount of dopamine in the body. This reduction can cause side effects such as irregular muscle movement demonstrated by twitching, eye blinking, and uncontrollable mouth movement. TD can be quite distressing and in many cases, relief from the symptoms can come with the adjustment of medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Too often, TD sufferers may stop taking the medication without notifying their physicians, which can cause psychosis to return. However, they may feel that TD is as bad or worse than the psychosis. Prescribing medication for those with psychosis can be a challenge until the right type of medication and dosage is found. Alternative medications can be effective or additional medications to treat TD can be helpful if it is determined that antipsychotic drugs are necessary.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Duration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients that start treatment with antipsychotic medications will typically be on them for the long term to help them manage their condition. There are half a dozen or more antipsychotic medications used for treating the disorder. It may take your doctor a few attempts to find the right drug to manage your conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms experienced through administering these drugs will intensify the longer they stay on the medication. The longer the treatment <\/a>duration, the higher the risk of developing symptoms of TD. Some patients don’t realize it when they first start experiencing the signs of TD, and it may take weeks or months before they realize that they are experiencing symptoms of the disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the patient notices signs of TD, they need to consult with their physician to change their medication. The doctor will decide whether or not to change the drug, or they may discontinue use in some cases. Discontinuing use usually results in the symptoms of TD disappearing, but some people remain affected, even after ceasing use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Risk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As with any other disorder, some people are more prone to developing the symptoms of TD than others. The risk factors associated with the condition include the type of drug used in the treatment and the person’s unique physiology <\/a>and response to the medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the well-known medications responsible for causing the condition include the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n