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Tardive Dyskinesia
Involuntary muscle tics may be a consequence of long-term “antipsychotic” medication use. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Get some extra E
Reduce the severity of TD by taking 1,600 IU of vitamin E every day under a doctor's supervision
- Discover lecithin
Improve symptoms by taking 25 grams of this nutritional supplement twice a day, providing 35 grams of phosphatidyl choline per day
- Mix in manganese
Prevent onset by taking 15 mg of manganese a day, or help reverse the condition by taking up to 60 mg per day under a doctor’s supervision
- Manage movement with melatonin
With the supervision of a knowledgeable doctor, take 10 mg of this natural hormone each night to help reduce abnormal movements
Also indexed as:
- tardive dyskinesia
About this treatment
About This Condition
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a condition of abnormal, repetitive, uncontrollable movements that develop after a long-term use of so-called antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia and related psychiatric disorders. The term “tardive” (which means “late”) is used because the condition appears only after long-term use of these drugs, which include chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine). Dyskinesia means “abnormal movement.”
The uncontrollable movements of TD can interfere greatly with a person’s quality of life. TD may gradually diminish in severity after the medication is discontinued, but all too often the problem is permanent, persisting after withdrawal from the drugs that caused the condition. Conventional treatment for TD is unsatisfactory, so prevention is considered crucial. It is important that people requiring antipsychotic drugs be given the lowest effective dose and that treatment be discontinued as soon as it is feasible.
Symptoms
Symptoms of TD include repetitive and involuntary movements (tics), most often of the facial muscles and tongue (such as lip smacking), although any muscle in the body can be affected (e.g., moving legs back and forth). Symptoms may be mild or severe and can interfere with eating and walking.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
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