Tardive Dyskinesia Defined:

Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological syndrome caused by the long-term use of neuroleptic drugs. Neuroleptic drugs are generally prescribed for psychiatric disorders, as well as for some gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Tardive dyskinesia symptoms are characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements. Features of the disorder may include grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, lip puckering and pursing, and rapid eye blinking. Rapid movements of the arms, legs, and trunk may also occur. Involuntary movements of the fingers may appear as though the patient is playing an invisible guitar or piano.

There is no standard treatment for tardive dyskinesia. Treatment is highly individualized. The first step is generally to stop or minimize the use of the neuroleptic drug. However, for patients with a severe underlying condition this may not be a feasible option. Replacing the neuroleptic drug with substitute drugs may help some patients. Other drugs such as benzodiazepines, adrenergic antagonists, and dopamine agonists may also be beneficial. Remember, do not stop or reduce your medications until you have conferred with your treating Doctor.

Causes of Tradive Dyskinesia

Tardive Dyskinesia cases have been documented to occur in patients after just a couple months of beginning neuroleptic drugs including Reglan, an acid reflux medicine.(See:Reglan Side Effects) While the actual number of people affected by Tardive Dyskinesia is unknown for sure, the estimates of those affected by the disorder are extremely high. In 1992, the American Psychiatric Association estimated that 15% of patients develop Tardive Dyskinesia within just three years, a surprising number for the many people that believed neuroleptics to be a breakthrough in schizophrenia treatment.

Early detection of Tardive Dyskinesia symptoms is critical in reducing the severity of the often irreversible disorder, but it has been found that Tardive Dyskinesia patients rarely identify early warning signs, especially since the involuntary movements do not cause physical discomfort. For more information on neuroleptics and Tardive Dyskinesia contact us to confer with a Tardive Dyskinesia lawyer.

FDA Warning: Reglan Usage Linked to Tardive Dyskinesia

In 2009, the FDA announced that manufacturers of metoclopramide must add a boxed warning to their drug labels about the risk of its long-term or high-dose use. Chronic use of metoclopramide has been linked to tardive dyskinesia. Manufacturers will be required to implement a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy, or REMS, to ensure patients are provided with a medication guide that discusses this risk. The chronic use of metoclopramide therapy should be avoided in all but rare cases where the benefit is believed to outweigh the risk.(See: FDA Black Box Warning for Reglan)

Reglan Lawsuits for Victims of Tardive Dyskinesia

Reglan side effects lawsuits are being filed across the United States due to the Reglan being linked to causing Tardive Dyskinesia for those Reglan patients taking Reglan for more than 12 consecutive weeks. If you took Reglan and are having undiagnosed neurological problems or you have been diagnosed with Tardive Dyskineia (TD), then call us at 1-888-5 Tardive or contact us through e-mail at online Reglan Tardive Dyskinesia Lawsuit Form