Anybody know anything about tardive dyskenesia?

[Droopy]

I'm not sure I'm spelling that right. It's involuntary movements of the face and limbs that people sometimes get associated with the use of an anti-psychotic. I take a newer atypical anti-psychotic and I thought that t.d. was supposed to be minimized by drugs like that. But lately I've noticed that I'm having some involuntary movements in my right arm and hand. My right arm and hand take on a position that I'm not aware of until after it has happened. I don't consciously move my arm and hand into that position. I don't know if this is t.d. or due to something else. I've never had this happen to me before. I've been taking the anti-psychotic for 2 years.

[xmas74]

1. Could be TD.

Ask your doctor about taking a drug holiday. They can assess from there whether or not it's TD.
(I worked in a mental institution for five years-we did many drug holidays because of TD)

[Droopy]

3. Thanks for the info

I take it a drug holiday is when you stop using meds for a while. I would probably have to be under supervision if I did that. Do you know if it's common to get TD after only 2 years of anti-psychotic use?

[xmas74]

6. It can be.

A drug holiday is when you are admitted and they take you off of all of your meds. They can do this at any time they suspect TD, allergies, etc.
Usually a drug holiday is about 72 hours long. I remember having to sit one on one w/ the subject and logging their every action.

[Droopy]

7. Well 72 hours isn't that bad

I doubt any of my symptoms from my illness would return that quick. Do they usually put you on a different drug than you were taking after the drug holiday?

[xmas74]

8. Depends on the outcome of the tests.

And if it is TD they will find out. Sometimes you get the same thing back and othertimes they will prescribe one different or a cocktail or two.
It really just depends on the symptoms and what the drug was for. You really need to talk to your doctor. If he doesn't do anything talk to a psychiatrist. This might be one of the first things that they recommend.

[blue neen]

2. It would be a good idea to check this out with your doctor, Droopy.

You can't be too cautious when it comes to these meds.

[Droopy]

4. I'll give him a call tomorrow

[NoSheep]

5. I've sure seen it, but never knew what it was called. Yes, see your

doctor and if you aren't satisfied, see another. :hi:

[madrchsod]

9. best to call the doc but

since you are up google about this..i did this when this was brought up about bush and some of his facial tics and other facial signs. there`s plenty of info and it may help you understand your current problem and have a better understanding of what the doctor has to say.

[jaxx]

10. My mom had parkinson's and had tardive dyskinesia

Also the posturing (positioning of your arm and hand). Those are potent meds you're on, and the side effects of most drugs can cause so many things. The drug holiday is good to reduce med levels and may help you. Good luck, and hang in there.

[Droopy]

11. Thanks

And thanks for the info.