Tardive dyskinesia (TD) can cause uncontrollable jerking movements of the face, arms, or legs. It typically develops due to the use of certain medications.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a rare type of movement disorder that’s caused by taking certain medications for long periods.

These include:

  • dopamine receptor-blocking drugs such as antipsychotics
  • antiparkinson agents
  • medications used to treat movement disorders
  • certain anti-nausea medications.

Antipsychotics, which help treat and manage psychosis related to schizophrenia, depressive disorders, and other conditions, are among the most common drugs associated with TD development.

If you (or a loved one) are experiencing unusual, involuntary movements, a doctor can determine the cause and recommend a course of treatment. The treatment of involuntary movements depends on their cause. It may involve changing dosages or types of medication.

Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of TD, what conditions may mimic it, and how doctors treat it.

Early symptoms of TD may involve involuntary face movements, usually affecting the:

  • lips
  • tongue
  • jaw

For example, you might stick out your tongue, suck in your lips, or make grimacing facial expressions without intending to. These early symptoms are involuntary and may be repetitive.

Common symptoms of TD include:

  • facial grimacing
  • sticking out your tongue in a rapid motion
  • making fish-like mouth movements
  • rapid, jerking motions of your arms or legs
  • slow, twisting motions of your arms or legs, as well as your neck or face

In the late stages of TD, involuntary movements can become more frequent and even constant.

Unlike other medication side effects, TD tends to develop gradually with long-term treatment involving dopamine receptor blockers. This is particularly the case with the prolonged use of typical antipsychotics.

While the symptoms of TD may seem to start suddenly, early symptoms may go unnoticed at first. For example, uncontrollable movements of your tongue may be dismissed until they worsen and you begin experiencing other involuntary motions.

Rarely, TD may develop after short-term use of dopamine receptor blockers.

While several first-generation (“typical”) antipsychotics are known to cause TD, dopamine receptor-blocking drugs may also increase your risk. Types of drugs that can cause TD may include:

  • Anticholinergic agents: These may treat Parkinson’s disease, incontinence, and several other conditions.
  • Anticonvulsants: These include antiseizure medications to manage epilepsy.
  • Antidepressants: While not common, TD may occur from long-term use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
  • Antiemetics: This class of drugs helps treat nausea and vomiting.
  • Antiparkinson agents: These include long-term and higher-dose medications.
  • Antipsychotics: The risk of TD is greater with first-generation antipsychotic drugs.

TD is most common in people taking medication to manage schizophrenia. Dopamine receptor blockers may cause irregular signaling in the brain, which then leads to the uncontrollable movements associated with TD.

Not everyone with schizophrenia, mental health conditions, or a neurological disorder develops TD. But if you have any of these conditions, consider talking with a doctor about whether any of your medications increase the risk of TD.

The risk is also most significant in people who have taken certain dopamine receptor drugs for long periods, usually over several years.

Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first talking with the prescribing doctor. Some medications can cause serious side effects if stopped suddenly.

Other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of TD include other movement disorders, such as:

  • tic disorders
  • Tourette syndrome
  • Wilson disease
  • cerebral palsy
  • seizures
  • chorea related to Huntington’s disease
  • essential tremor disorder

TD causes uncontrollable movements that commonly affect the face and upper torso but may also affect the lower extremities. These movements may be repetitive.

If you are concerned about possible TD symptoms or are currently taking dopamine receptor-blocking agents that may increase your risk of developing this condition, it’s important to talk with a doctor. They can help you assess and modify your current treatment plan if needed.

Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first talking with the prescribing doctor. Some medications can cause serious side effects if stopped suddenly.