50 Drugs That Cause Tardive Dyskinesia: Complete Guide

If you are looking for the top 50 drugs that cause tardive dyskinesia (TD), let us drop a secret. This phrase itself can be misleading because this medical condition is not caused by every medicine on the list in the same way or with the same risk level.

If you’re willing to learn more about this association in the USA, it is essential to seek guidance from a healthcare professional rather than concluding anything by yourself. TD risks vary according to the drug, dosage, exposure phase, age, underlying health conditions, and susceptibility related to the user. Any medicine you spot in the list does not automatically mean it causes tardive dyskinesia or that everyone using it will develop this medical condition. It simply indicates the possibility. Let’s explore further.

What Is Tardive Dyskinesia?

Tardive Dyskinesia, or TD, is a neurological movement disorder strongly associated with prolonged exposure to dopamine-blocking drugs, particularly certain antipsychotics. The interaction isn’t limited to this drug category, but many, including antiemetics and medicines affecting the central nervous system, among others.

TD commonly affects the mouth, jaw, face, tongue, and sometimes limbs/trunk. The affected person makes involuntary movements like lip smacking, tongue movements, chewing motions, blinking, movements with fingers or toes, grimacing, etc. Its intensity varies among individuals. Some have milder symptoms while others experience interference with facial movements during speech, eating/chewing, walking, or daily life activities.

Which Types of Drugs Can Cause Tardive Dyskinesia?

According to a study, the following list includes drugs that cause tardive dyskinesia.

• Antipsychotic drugs
• Anticholinergic agents
• Antidepressants
• Antiemetics
• Anticonvulsants
• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Antimalarials
• Anti-Parkinson agents
• Anxiolytics
• Biogenic amines
• Mood Stabilizers
• Stimulants

50 Drugs That Cause Tardive Dyskinesia Associated

Mostly, antipsychotics and tardive dyskinesia have a stronger association, but other drugs can also cause this medical condition. The following table features the suspected drugs with their drug class.

Stopping your ongoing treatment abruptly shall worsen underlying symptoms. Refer to the medicine label and seek guidance from your medical care provider before assessing the outcome on your own. Only a healthcare professional shall guide whether to discontinue interacting medications or how to use them safely after being diagnosed with TD. In case you notice this abnormal condition as one of the antipsychotic side effects, see your doctor anytime soon.

Which Drugs Have the Highest Risk of Tardive Dyskinesia? 

When discussing medications that cause involuntary movements, one of the major concerns involves prolonged exposure to dopamine-blocking drugs or antipsychotic medicines. First-generation antipsychotics like haloperidol and fluphenazine have been associated with a higher risk of TD than second-generation antipsychotics. No wonder, the latter also has a TD-exposure risk.

Other factors like age, high exposure to dopamine-blocking medicines, diabetes, longer exposure to antipsychotics, movement disorder history, etc can contribute to this risk. The susceptibility differs among individuals.

Certain medical conditions like dystonia, tremors, akathisia, parkinsonism, etc may also cause movement disorders with distinct symptoms. It is thus important to distinguish carefully and seek medical help before making any conclusions.

How Long Does It Take for Tardive Dyskinesia to Develop?

Tardive dyskinesia symptoms don’t develop overnight but after months or years of treatment with certain dopamine-receptor-blocking drugs. This duration also varies among individuals.

Some people may notice abnormal movements after a very short exposure, while others develop it after long cumulative exposure despite discontinuing the specific medicine. As these symptoms develop gradually, new or unusual symptoms should be reported to the healthcare professional rather than assuming them as temporary effects.

What Does Tardive Dyskinesia Look Like?

Individuals affected by Tardive Dyskinesia experience repetitive movements that they are unable to control easily. It could be anything from lip smacking, tongue movements, chewing motions, blinking, rapid jaw movements, and facial grimacing. TD may affect the arms, legs, fingers, toes, or trunk. The symptoms may be mild and intermittent initially, thus easier to overlook. They become a concern when they worsen, feel like a developed habit, or become more noticeable.

What Should You Do If You Develop TD Symptoms?

If you observe that you’ve developed certain TD symptoms, don’t stop your existing medications or start treatment with OTC tardive dyskinesia medications. Discuss related concerns with your healthcare provider to seek relevant treatment options.

Is Tardive Dyskinesia treatable? 

Yes. The treatment widely depends on the underlying causes of tardive dyskinesia and the patient’s overall health condition. They should review the responsible medications by evaluating the current ones, consider necessary adjustments, and discuss FDA-approved treatment options. Certain approaches are focused on symptom management when TD is diagnosed at a later phase. If detected early, these management tactics can improve quality of life sooner.

Conclusion

So, you have the list of 50 drugs that cause tardive dyskinesia and many related pieces of information handy. Remember, each drug has a different risk level, and their interactions differ among individuals too. If you or any of your loved ones is experiencing involuntary repetitive movements, seek a healthcare professional’s guidance soon. You may then order a 100% quality-assured stash upon a tailored treatment plan in the USA at Arrowmeds.com.