Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are serious side effects that can develop after taking certain antipsychotic medications.
They can affect your motor control and coordination.
EPS can take several forms, including tardive dyskinesia.
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Tardive dyskinesiacauses uncontrollable facial movements.
Tic-like movements and involuntary eye blinking are common early signs.
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Symptoms
The extrapyramidal system controls voluntary movements.
Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia are usually milder and may not be reversible.
Chewing, lip smacking, and curling the tongue are common TD symptoms.
Causes
Extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia can both be triggered by the use of antipsychotic medications.
Extrapyramidal symptoms develop when dopamine is suppressed, which is what antipsychotic medications do.
How Common Is Tardive Dyskinesia With Antipsychotic Use?
Beyond antipsychotics, several other medications have also been linked to tardive dyskinesia.
These include:
Extrapyramidal symptoms like tardive dyskinesia are resulting from certain medications like antipsychotics.
Patient Rights
Many people who are prescribed antipsychotics have conditions like schizophrenia or dementia.
Remember, you have the right to refuse medications, especially ones that are sedating.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia is typically direct.
With some extrapyramidal symptoms, other conditions like Parkinson’s disease will need to be ruled out.
In some cases, symptoms are permanent.
Both EPS and tardive dyskinesia are brought on by antipsychotic medications.
However, stopping these medications may not reverse your symptoms.
If you have EPS or tardive dyskinesia, talk to your doctor before stopping or changing your medication regimen.
These medications work well, but can lead to serious side effects called extrapyramidal symptoms.
These symptoms are defined by impaired motor function.
Tardive dyskinesia is one of these symptoms, and it mainly affects the face and mouth.
Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing negative side effects while taking antipsychotic medications.
Consult your doctor before stopping or changing medication dosages on your own.
Tardive dyskinesia is a form of EPS that features a later onset.
You may experience early EPS symptoms and develop tardive dyskinesia after long-term use of antipsychotic medications.
This is an early symptom of Parkinson’s disease and is a form of EPS.
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