Tardive dyskinesia

Updated: 2023-11-22

Description

A condition that causes movements that occur over and over and can't be controlled. It's usually caused by long-term use of certain psychiatric medicines.

Overview

Tardive dyskinesia is caused by the use of dopamine-blocking medicines. Most commonly, these are antipsychotic medicines or anti-nausea medicines.

Symptoms

Tardive dyskinesia includes a wide range of movements that can't be controlled. Often these movements involve the mouth, tongue and face and may include lip smacking or chewing. The movements also may affect the trunk or limbs.

Treatments

Stopping the antipsychotic or anti-nausea medicines that cause the symptoms may stop the movements. Medicines to relieve the symptoms, Botox injections or deep brain stimulation may be recommended.