Tardive Dyskinesia, literally means 'late movement disorder'. It is a serious, irreversible neurological disorder that can appear at any age. It is a slow sinuous rhythmic uncontrollable movements caused by neurologic side effects of certain drugs including the tricyclic tranquilizers (phenothiazine) and other tricyclics. Tardive Dyskinesia may appear anywhere from three months to several years after initial use of these medications, and withdrawal from neuroleptics often exacerbates the symptoms. The condition may be reversible if recognized in the earliest stages. Paradoxically, if tranquilizers are stopped after the Tardive Dyskinesia has been present for a long period the condition may become significantly worse. Tardive Dyskinesia movements may be confused with stereotypy because of the repetitive nature of both behaviors. Stereotypy refers to ritualistic, often complex behaviors, such as body and head rocking, hand flapping, and complex hand movement patterns. Stereotypy appears to be under voluntary control. In contrast, Tardive Dyskinesia movements are less complex, less ritualistic, and are not volitional. Other psychoactive drugs, such as clozaril/clozapine, have similar effects on behavior but do not produce Tardive Dyskinesia as neuroleptics do. Using topographical distribution of abnormal movements, Tardive Dyskinesia can be divided into two main groups: orofacial and limb-truncal. It has been proposed that these two subtypes could represent different sub-syndromes of Tardive Dyskinesia, with possibly different risk factors.

• Involuntary tongue thrusting.
• Involuntary lip smacking.
• Involuntary lip pursing.
• Involuntary grimacing and chewing movements.
• Involuntary rocking of the trunk.
• Involuntary pelvic thrusting.
• Involuntary rotation of the ankles or legs.
• Involuntary marching in place.
• Involuntary irregular respirations.
• Involuntary repetitive sounds such as humming or grunting.
• Conspicuous movements such as writhing, rocking, twisting, jerking, flexing, stiffening.

Tardive Dyskinesia can be prevented by:

• Restricting the use of neuroleptics to the treatment of acute psychosis and the positive symptoms of SP. Do not treat sleep disorders and anxiety with APs.
• Being especially judicious about the use of APs in elderly patients with OBS.
• The anti-DA effect can be limited by the use of the smallest AP dose administered for the shortest treatment period given over the longest dosing interval.
• Using a neuroleptic with low anti-DA activity, e.g. clozapine and olanzapine. Use benzodiazepines, carbamazepine, lithium, or propranolol as adjunctive agents to allow the AP dose to be reduced to the lowest possible level.
• There is no evidence that depot neuroleptics produce a greater risk of TD than oral neuroleptics. However, be sure to titrate the dose downward.
• Acute EPS must be avoided. Keep in mind that anti-cholinergic agents do not increase the risk of TD.
• "Drug holidays" should be avoided since they do not decrease and may even increase the risk of TD.
• (Remove gap) Cholinergic agonists (deanol, physostigmine, choline, lecithin), GABA agonists, post-synaptic DA agonists, peptides, lithium, and papaverine have no significant effects in the treatment of TD.

Tardive Dyskinesia is caused by blockage of the neurotransmitter dopamine in a key nerve pathway. The neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin, & GABA play a role as well.

Some medications that are known to cause Tardive syndromes include:

• Medications for gastrointestinal problems
• Metoclopramide (Reglan)
• Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
• Medications for cough
• Promethazine (Phenergan)
• Medications for depression
• Amoxapine (Ascendin)
• Perphenazine/amitriptyline (Triavil)
• Antipsychotics or Neuroleptics
• Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
• Thioridazine (Mellaril)
• Trifluoperazine (Stelazine)
• Perphenazine (Trilafon)
• Fluphenazine (Prolixin)
• Thiothixene (Navane)
• Haloperidol (Haldol)
• Pimozide (Orap)

Diagnosis is based on the patient's history and a thorough clinical examination. The criteria for diagnosing Tardive Dyskinesia can vary but is generally agreed to be exposure of an individual to a dopamine receptor blocking agent within 6 months of onset of symptoms which persist at least 1 month after stopping the offending drug. There is no laboratory test or x-ray to confirm the diagnosis; although, such tests may rule out other conditions if the diagnosis is questionable.

• Start with a short liquid juice and cleansing diet to normalize blood levels. Minimize fruit juices if hypoglycemia is involved.
• Then, eat largely fresh foods for the remainder of the week.
• Then, gradually add vegetable proteins, gluten free grains (especially brown rice, millet, and amaranth), seafood, fish, nuts and seeds.
• Eliminate all refined sugars, red meats and preserved foods.
• Take Crystal Star BIOFLAV. FIBER & C SUPPORT tm drink daily.
• Ascorbate vitamin C powder with bioflavonoids and rutin, ½ teaspoon every hour to bowel tolerance daily for the first month of healing. (Vitamin C is a natural tranquilizer. It will help in withdrawal from chemical tranquilizers and drugs.)
• Logic LITHIUM as directed

• Take in as much fresh air and oxygen as possible
• Exercise regularly
  

Get some exercise every day, especially running, walking or jogging. The oxygen will do wonders for your head. Regular massage therapy and spinal adjustment have had some success. Avoid all pleasure drugs, and as many prescription drugs as possible.

Choline is an essential compound that exhibits its beneficial effects on various problems related to nervous system and enhances memory. ^{1, 2, 3, 4} Lecithin is also an important substance that shows its favorable effects on brain health. ^{1, 2, 5, 6} Vitamin B6 is an important vitamin that exhibits its wholesome effects on brain health and various problems associated with it. ^{1, 2, 7, 8} Vitamin E shows its positive effects on neuromuscular impairment. ¹

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.