Drugs linked to dyskinesia

DEAR DR. GOTT: Do you have any information on tardive dyskinesia? My husband has it, and there seems to be little known about it.
DEAR READER: Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological condition brought on by long-term use of neuroleptic drugs generally prescribed for psychiatric, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. It is characterized by involuntary, repetitive motions, often occurring at inappropriate times. These may include rapid eye, leg or arm movements, grimacing, lip smacking and/or protrusion of the tongue. Older women are most susceptible; however, the condition most commonly affects people of any age following 24 months of drug therapy.
There is no standard treatment for the disorder. As a general rule, the first step is to discontinue or greatly reduce the amount of the offending long-standing medication. It may be beneficial to replace the neuroleptic medication with a different drug. Symptoms of dyskinesia may continue long after discontinuation but may ultimately improve or disappear. In some cases, however, the condition is permanent. Your husband should make an appointment with his neurologist to determine the next appropriate step.