If you or someone you know is experiencing involuntary, repetitive movements, it could be a condition known as tardive dyskinesia (TD). This neurological disorder can be challenging and emotionally taxing, but it's important to know that you are not alone and that effective treatments are now available. Understanding the condition is the first step toward managing it and reclaiming a sense of control over your body and your life.

What are the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia?

Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive body movements. These movements can vary in severity and can affect different parts of the body. Common symptoms include:

• Facial Movements: These are often the most noticeable signs. They can include lip-smacking, tongue thrusting, grimacing, blinking, or puffing of the cheeks.


• Limb Movements: Involuntary movements can also affect the arms, legs, and fingers. This might present as finger-tapping, foot-stomping, or swaying movements.


• Trunk Movements: Some people experience movements in their torso, which may cause a rocking or twisting motion.

The movements are often irregular and unpredictable. TD is typically a side effect of long-term use of certain medications, particularly older antipsychotic drugs, but can also be caused by some anti-nausea medications. It's crucial to get an accurate diagnosis from a neurologist or a movement disorder specialist who can distinguish TD from other conditions.

What are the primary treatments for tardive dyskinesia?

For many years, there were limited treatment options for TD. The primary approach was often to adjust or discontinue the offending medication, which was not always possible and didn't guarantee a resolution of the movements. Fortunately, recent breakthroughs have led to the development of specific medications designed to treat TD directly. These are known as VMAT2 inhibitors.

VMAT2 Inhibitors

These are a class of medications specifically approved by the FDA for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. They work by regulating a protein called vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), which controls the release of dopamine in the brain. By inhibiting this transporter, VMAT2 inhibitors help reduce the excessive dopamine signaling that is thought to cause the involuntary movements of TD. The twomain VMAT2 inhibitors are:

• Valbenazine: Approved in 2017, this was the first medication specifically for TD. It is taken once daily and has been shown to significantly reduce involuntary movements.


• Deutetrabenazine: Also approved in 2017, this medication is another effective option. It is typically taken twice a day and offers a tailored approach to managing the condition.

Your doctor will help you decide which medication is right for you, taking into account your medical history and other medications you are taking. It is important to know that these treatments do not replace the need for the original psychiatric or neurological medications, and a doctor will manage a treatment plan that addresses both conditions.

Can lifestyle adjustments help manage TD symptoms?

While medication is the cornerstone of treatment, some lifestyle and behavioral strategies can help you cope with the symptoms and improve your quality of life:

• Stress Reduction: High stress levels can sometimes worsen involuntary movements. Incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine can be beneficial.


• Support Groups: Connecting with others who have TD can provide emotional support and a sense of community. Sharing experiences and coping strategies can be incredibly helpful.


• Physical and Occupational Therapy: Therapists can teach you exercises and techniques to help you manage and control your movements, making daily tasks easier to perform.


• Open Communication: Talk openly with your doctor and mental health providers about your symptoms, concerns, and any side effects you are experiencing. They are your partners in finding the best possible treatment plan.

A Path to Better Days

Living with tardive dyskinesia presents a unique set of challenges, but it is not a journey you have to take alone. With the advent of new, targeted medications and a comprehensive care plan, there is real hope for reducing involuntary movements and improving your well-being. Take the first step today by talking to your doctor about a proper diagnosis and the latest treatment options. By being proactive, you can regain a sense of normalcy, confidence, and control, allowing you to focus on the things that truly matter in your life.