Guide To Diagnosing, Preventing, And Treating Tardive Dyskinesia

Medications

Some individuals affected by this condition have severe psychiatric disorders that they cannot manage without the medication causing this reaction. In such cases, other medications may be necessary to relieve the abnormal muscle movements. However, this is only done after other treatments have failed. Benzodiazepines have a profound effect on the neurotransmitters in an individual's brain. These medications can reduce the nerve activity in an individual's brain, causing the involuntary movements.

Clozapine is another drug that may be used in a patient who cannot lower or come off their antipsychotic medication. It inhibits receptors in the patient's brain, including acetylcholine receptors. Acetylcholine is an important substance that allows an individual's nerves to tell their muscles to contract. This medication depresses this effect, causing movements to ease in some patients. A botox injection may be used to temporarily paralyze affected muscles.

Natural Supplements

Individuals with this condition may want to consider natural supplements to help manage their symptoms. Ginkgo biloba extract is derived from the leaves of the ginkgo biloba plant and contains many antioxidants. Several studies have shown it has improved several symptoms of tardive dyskinesia. Melatonin, which is naturally found in an individual's body, contributes to their sleep cycle. It can help individuals who experience insomnia as a complication of their involuntary movements. The sedative effects it has on the brain are also helpful during the day. However, it must be in small doses.

The bioactive type of vitamin B6 has long shown success with reducing symptoms in several other movement disorders usually caused by medication. According to recent evidence, this form of vitamin B6 decreases abnormal movements in some individuals with tardive dyskinesia. Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, can bind with damaging free radicals in the body known to participate in this condition's pathology. Some affected individuals have successfully stopped the progression of their disorder with vitamin B6 or vitamin E supplementation.