Neuroleptic (antipsychotic) drugs are very effective at managing mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Huntington’s disease. Just like any medication you might take, these drugs come with possible side effects.
TD is one common side effect that happens after taking these medications for many months or years. However, some people could experience this side effect after just a few days. The involuntary movements it causes, which include grimacing, eye blinking, and rocking, can be very distressing.
Understanding more about TD can help you make decisions about your care. This article looks at ways to manage TD without compromising your mental health care.
1. Changing your antipsychotic medication may prevent tardive dyskinesia
Your doctor might consider changing your medication to another type that doesn’t have a high risk of causing TD. If you’re taking a neuroleptic for a medical condition such as nausea, you might be able to switch to another type of medication. For some people, a lower dose might help manage symptoms without causing this side effect.
Another option is to change to a different antipsychotic medication. A few studies have shown that switching from an older first-generation antipsychotic like haloperidol to a newer second-generation antipsychotic drug improves TD symptoms. Examples include:
- risperidone (Risperdal)
- clozapine (Clozaril)
- olanzapine (Zyprexa)
2. Dopamine-reducing drugs can relieve symptoms
Valbenazine (Ingrezza), deutetrabenazine (Austedo), and tetrabenazine (Xenazine) belong to a class of drugs called vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors. These medications, which come in pills or capsules, treat movement disorders like TD and Huntington’s disease by reducing levels of dopamine, a brain chemical that plays a role in movement.
All three drugs are effective at relieving TD symptoms, but they come with some risks. Valbenazine and deutetrabenazine have side effects like:
- sleepiness
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- diarrhea
Tetrabenazine’s side effects might include:
- depression
- insomnia
- akathisia (inability to remain still)
- drowsiness
3. Anticholinergic drugs could make symptoms worse
Anticholinergic drugs are a group of medications that includes oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), tolterodine (Detrol), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Anticholinergic drugs treat conditions like:
- incontinence
- insomnia
- Parkinson’s disease
- nausea
- motion sickness
However, these drugs can worsen TD symptoms. Some anticholinergics are over the counter (OTC), while some require a prescription. Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you’re currently taking. This includes OTC treatment and anything else you take, even for a short period. This way, you can minimize the risk of side effects and drug interactions.
4. Deep brain stimulation may be an option for severe tardive dyskinesia
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a relatively new treatment, but it could be an alternative to medication for people with severe TD who haven’t responded to other treatments.
DPS is used to treat several neurological and psychological conditions, including epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. This surgical procedure involves implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain. A device that controls the electrodes is placed under the skin of the upper chest.
Once in place, the electrodes release electrical impulses that help regulate parts of the brain producing the irregular movements. The settings can be fine-tuned to relieve the movements while minimizing side effects. Because DBS involves surgery, risks can include infection, bleeding, and headaches. This treatment can be effective for some people but might not work for everyone.
5. Natural approaches can work alongside medication
In addition to medications and DBS, you might try one of the natural therapies that have shown promise for managing TD symptoms.
The supplement ginkgo biloba may help with TD symptoms. In a 2024 study of 157 participants, gingko reduced symptoms of TD.
There is some evidence that taking vitamin E and vitamin B6 may benefit symptoms of TD, but more research is needed.
Exercises like walking and stretching can help with TD symptoms and offer a variety of other health benefits. In some very preliminary research, mindfulness meditation improved TD symptoms.
TD can occur after taking medication for conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Huntington’s disease. The symptoms often appear as involuntary movements that can affect a person’s quality of life.
Methods like talking with your doctor about changing your antipsychotic medication, taking a dopamine-reducing drug, or therapy such as deep brain stimulation may help.