Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a serious and often irreversible neurological condition that causes involuntary, repetitive movements, typically in the face, tongue, hands, or legs. While the condition can range from mild to severe, what many don’t realize is that it’s often caused by long-term use of certain prescription medications. Explore the medications to avoid:

🧠 What Is Tardive Dyskinesia?

Tardive Dyskinesia is a movement disorder caused by long-term exposure to dopamine receptor-blocking agents, especially antipsychotic drugs. The symptoms are involuntary and can become permanent if not addressed early.

Common signs include:

Lip smacking, chewing, or puckering

Tongue thrusting

Grimacing or facial twitching

Jerky arm or leg movements

Blinking or eye rolling

⚠️ Medications Most Commonly Associated with TD

Below is a list of drug categories and specific medications that have been linked to the development of Tardive Dyskinesia, particularly with long-term use or high dosages.

1. First-Generation Antipsychotics (Typical Antipsychotics)

These are the most well-known contributors to TD.

Examples include:

Haloperidol (Haldol)

Fluphenazine (Prolixin)

Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)

Perphenazine

Thioridazine

These drugs are powerful dopamine blockers and are high-risk for TD, especially after months or years of use.

2. Second-Generation Antipsychotics (Atypical Antipsychotics)

Although considered “safer,” these can also lead to TD in some cases.

Examples include:

Risperidone (Risperdal)

Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Quetiapine (Seroquel)

Aripiprazole (Abilify)

Ziprasidone (Geodon)

Long-term use at moderate or high doses increases the risk, especially in older adults and women.

3. Anti-Nausea and GI Medications

These medications also affect dopamine receptors and can trigger TD with chronic use.

Examples include:

Metoclopramide (Reglan) – most widely associated GI drug

Prochlorperazine (Compazine)

Promethazine (Phenergan)

Metoclopramide carries a black box warning from the FDA due to its TD risk when used longer than 12 weeks.

🛑 What You Can Do

If you’re taking any of the medications listed above:

Do not stop them suddenly—this can worsen symptoms

Speak with your doctor about alternatives or dose adjustments

Request regular screenings for movement-related side effects

Ask about FDA-approved TD treatments, such as:

Valbenazine (Ingrezza)

Deutetrabenazine (Austedo)