Uncontrollable body movements caused by long-term use of certain medications, with details on the associated indicators and available therapeutic options.
**Common Medications Linked to Tardive Dyskinesia: A Cautionary Note**
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), a movement disorder characterised by uncontrollable, repetitive movements, is primarily associated with the use of dopamine receptor-blocking agents (DRBAs), which include antipsychotic medications. Among the most commonly implicated medications are first-generation antipsychotics such as Haloperidol, Chlorpromazine, Fluphenazine, and Perphenazine.
These first-generation or typical antipsychotics carry a higher risk of causing TD compared to second-generation antipsychotics. However, it's essential to note that some second-generation medications may also pose a risk, albeit generally lower.
Several factors increase the risk of developing TD when using these medications. These include the duration of use, type of antipsychotic, age, gender, presence of comorbid conditions, and genetic predisposition. Long-term exposure to antipsychotic medications significantly increases the risk of TD, and the risk rises with prolonged use, especially beyond several months to years.
Other risk factors include being older, female, having dementia or a prior brain injury, being African or African American, and having alcohol or substance abuse disorders. People who are taking Metoclopramide or Prochlorperazine for digestive problems may need to be regularly evaluated by a doctor for symptoms of TD.
Preventing TD is not always possible, but regular psychiatrist visits while taking antipsychotic medications and using the "Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale" (AIMS) can help identify symptoms in its early stages. For those already diagnosed with TD, newer neuroleptics combined with FDA-approved treatments offer hope. In 2017, two medications, valbenazine (Ingrezza) and deutetrabenazine (Austedo), were approved to treat TD.
While TD was once considered an untreatable and permanent side effect, promising new medications have emerged to address this condition. However, it's crucial to remember that only use DRBAs when necessary and explore alternative treatments if possible. When discontinuing neuroleptics, tapering them gradually rather than stopping abruptly can reduce the risk of withdrawal-emergent dyskinesia.
In addition to these measures, considering VMAT2 inhibitors for treatment options in certain cases, as they are generally effective and safer in terms of not causing TD, can also be beneficial. An anti-anxiety drug known as clonazepam can help treat TD, but this drug can be habit-forming.
It's worth noting that TD is not related to other disorders that cause involuntary movements, such as Parkinson's disease or tic disorders. The primary symptom of TD is involuntary facial movements such as grimacing, frowning, pursing the lips, sticking out the tongue, chewing or chomping, smacking the lips together, and excessive blinking. Less commonly, TD can cause involuntary movements of the arms, legs, fingers, and toes.
In conclusion, while TD is a significant concern for those taking antipsychotic medications, regular monitoring, gradual tapering, and the use of alternative treatments can help mitigate the risk. For those already diagnosed with TD, newer neuroleptics combined with new FDA-approved treatments offer hope for this condition.
- In the health-and-wellness sector, there has been growing interest in the potential role of CBD in managing neurological disorders, including TD, given its interaction with the endocannabinoid system.
- As part of a comprehensive skincare routine, some cosmetic products now incorporate CBD due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which may benefit individuals dealing with medical-conditions like TD that cause repetitive movements.
- Research in the field of science continues to explore the efficacy of VMAT2 inhibitors alongside CBD as possible treatments for TD, aiming to reduce the risks associated with current DRBAs and offer safer alternatives.
