Common Symptoms
Involuntary movements of the face, such as lip smacking, tongue protrusion, or grimacing Uncontrolled movements of the arms, legs, fingers, or toes Rapid eye blinking or repetitive eye movements Tension or stiffness in the muscles Difficulty speaking or swallowing
Less Common Symptoms
Jerky or irregular movements of the body Twisting or writhing movements Choreiform movements (quick, jerky, and involuntary) Dystonic movements (sustained muscle contractions)
Risk Factors
Long-term use of antipsychotic medications, especially first-generation antipsychotics Higher doses of antipsychotic medications Increasing age Female gender History of mood disorders History of substance abuse
Diagnosis and Treatment
A thorough medical evaluation, including a review of medication history Assessment of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning Possible referral to a neurologist or movement disorders specialist Discontinuation or reduction of the offending medication, if possible Switching to a different medication with a lower risk of tardive dyskinesia Use of medications to manage symptoms, such as anticholinergic drugs or botulinum toxin injections Behavioral therapies to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life