Does Tardive Dyskinesia Go Away? Find Out the Truth

Some days, your body feels like it’s not fully yours. You start to experience a sudden twitch of the lips or your tongue pushing forward without warning. If this sounds familiar, you might be living with something called Tardive Dyskinesia. You may have this condition because of long-term use of certain medications. And when the movements don’t stop, one quiet question keeps returning: does tardive dyskinesia go away?

It’s a deeply personal concern, and you deserve clear, compassionate answers. In this blog, we’ll walk through what drugs cause, treatment options, self-care, and more. And if you might be worried about paying your medical bills then we have an answer for that too.

What’s Tardive Dyskinesia?

Tardive dyskinesia might feel like nothing in the beginning. But this condition causes slow, uncontrollable movements in your body. You might notice small twitches in your face, hands, or other areas. And over time, these movements can become harder to manage. 

This condition is more likely to affect you if you are an older adult or a woman after menopause. It often develops after taking certain medications for a long time.

What Drugs Cause Tardive Dyskinesia?

There might be many drugs that can be the reason for your tardive dyskinesia. So, make sure you let your doctor decide the actual cause.

♦ Certain Antidepressants

If you're depressed or anxious, your doctor might prescribe certain antidepressants. Rarely, these medications can lead to involuntary movements after long-term use. Watch for unusual movements or twitches if you've been taking them continuously. Tell your healthcare provider quickly if you notice any of these symptoms.

♦ Mood Stabilizer Medications

Doctors often prescribe these medications if you have mood swings or bipolar. They usually help stabilize your mood but occasionally cause unusual movements. Your risk increases if you're using these with other dopamine-blocking medicines. Inform your doctor right away if you start noticing strange muscle movements.

♦ Antiseizure Medications

These drugs help control seizures if you're diagnosed with epilepsy or similar conditions. Although uncommon, long-term use may lead to involuntary muscle movements like TD. If unusual twitches or movements occur, discuss them immediately with your doctor. Early action can help manage and prevent more serious movement-related side effects.

♦ Sedating Antihistamine Medications

You might take antihistamines to treat allergies, anxiety, or sleep problems. Using these medicines regularly for a long time can rarely trigger TD. If you notice any odd movements in your body or face, don't ignore them. Contact your healthcare provider promptly so they can guide you through this.

Symptoms and Things That You Might Experience

Tardive dyskinesia can affect your body parts in many ways. And there are various symptoms as well.

Body Part	What Happens?	What It Might Affect?
Face	Lip-smacking, sucking motions, frowning, chewing motions, puffing cheeks, fast blinking	Can make it hard to control facial expressions and may feel embarrassing in social situations.
Tongue	Sticking tongue out, pressing it against the cheek	Can make talking and eating tricky.
Neck	Unwanted twisting or tilting	Might cause discomfort or stiffness.
Upper Body (Trunk)	Sudden or repeated movements in the chest or shoulders	Can make sitting still or keeping good posture difficult.
Arms & Hands	Fingers move on their own (like playing the piano), jerky arm movements	Can make holding things, writing, or using tools harder.
Legs & Feet	Legs may move suddenly, feet might shuffle or twist	Can affect walking and balance.
Other Movements	Rocking, thrusting hips, feeling restless and unable to stay still	May feel like you always need to move, making relaxation tough.

Does Tardive Dyskinesia Go Away: Diagnosis

Diagnosing tardive dyskinesia can be tricky. This happens because symptoms may appear at any time. If you take medications that can cause this condition, then your doctor may run some tests to make sure. Also, these tests can ensure that you don’t have any other movement disorders and find the exact cause.

Your doctor may recommend:

• Blood and urine tests. It can help them check for infections, illnesses, or unusual body changes.

• You might have to go through EEG (Electroencephalography). This test can measure brain activity and detect unusual electrical patterns.

• EMG (Electromyography) can help doctors see how well your nerves send signals to your muscles.

• You may have to take some neurological exams. These tests can check your reflexes, coordination, and muscle strength for any possible nervous system issues.

How to Reverse Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) causes slow, uncontrolled movements in your face or body. Also you might notice shaking, blinking, or lip-smacking without any intentions.

If you’re thinking how to reverse tardive dyskinesia, then know that there’s no complete cure. But several treatments can help reduce your symptoms.

Stopping or Reducing the Medicine Usage

If a medicine is the reason for your TD, then stop or reduce its intake. It might improve your condition. But you might still need this medication for your mental health treatment. That’s why you should talk to your doctor first before changing your medicine or dosage.

Switching to a Different Medication

Sometimes, changing medicines can reduce your risk of TD symptoms. Many older antipsychotic medicines often increase your risk, while newer ones may be safer. You can ask your doctor if switching medications is a good option for you.

Using VMAT2 Inhibitors for Better Control

Medicines like valbenazine can help balance chemicals in your brain. They manage dopamine levels, reducing your shaking and uncontrolled movements. These medications are approved specifically for TD, and your doctor can prescribe them.

Trying Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

DBS is an option if your TD symptoms become severe and medicines aren't working. Doctors place small wires into specific parts of your brain during this procedure. These wires send signals that help control your unwanted movements.

Take Ginkgo Biloba as a Supplement

Ginkgo biloba is a natural, plant-based supplement. It might help you reduce  your TD symptoms. It can be beneficial and improve your condition if you have tardive dyskinesia.

Tardive Dyskinesia Self-care

You have to focus on your self-care. It can improve your health and overall quality of life. 

Tips to Manage TD	What You Should Do	How It Helps You
Sleep Well	Follow healthy sleep habits. See a sleep specialist if needed.	Stops TD movements during sleep, reduces stress, and helps your body rest.
Stay Active	Exercise gently (like yoga, walking, or swimming). Talk to your care team first.	Lowers stress, reduces symptoms, and boosts overall well-being safely.
Eat the Right Diet	Eat foods suitable for stomach issues. Work with a dietitian if swallowing is hard.	Helps manage stomach conditions related to TD and ensures safe nutrition.
Practice Mindfulness	Try activities like journaling, meditation, or breathing exercises daily.	Keeps you calm and helps you stay in the moment.
Stay Socially Connected	Spend time doing easy activities with supportive friends or family.	Reduces loneliness, lifts your mood, and improves mental health.

Take Care of Your Medical Expenses With FinanceMutual™

Tardive dyskinesia can be tough to manage as it might sprout from your other medical issues. This means you might have to pay a lot of medical bills.

If this is your case then look for healthcare providers who can offer flexible payment plans using platforms like FinanceMutual™. It can help you pay for your treatment easily. But make sure you inquire about flexible payment options before seeking a treatment. Many medical institutions and healthcare providers don’t provide this option.

The End Note

Living with tardive dyskinesia can be difficult, but exploring the right treatment options can make each day more manageable. With the right support and care, things can get better. It starts with paying attention to the changes in your body and having open conversations with your doctor. Stay consistent with your care plan, ask questions when needed, and take steady steps toward improvement.

FAQs

1. Is Tardive Dyskinesia Painful?

Usually, tardive dyskinesia isn't painful, but constant movements may cause discomfort. You might experience stiffness or mild soreness because of muscle movements.

2. How to Reverse Tardive Dyskinesia Naturally?

Natural approaches like Ginkgo biloba or vitamin E supplements may ease symptoms slightly. Always consult your doctor first to safely explore natural methods for relief.

3. What Kind of Doctor Treats Tardive Dyskinesia?

A neurologist or psychiatrist typically diagnoses and manages tardive dyskinesia treatments. Your primary doctor might refer you to these specialists for proper care.

4. Is Olanzapine Tardive Dyskinesia Different From Regular Tardive Dyskinesia?

Olanzapine-induced tardive dyskinesia isn't different. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments remain similar to TD from other medication types.

5. What Are Basic Tardive Dyskinesia Treatment Guidelines?

Basic guidelines involve adjusting or stopping medicines that cause TD symptoms first. Doctors may then prescribe VMAT2 inhibitors, switch medications, or suggest supportive therapies.

6. Is There any First Line Treatment for Tardive Dyskinesia?

Yes, reducing or discontinuing medications that cause TD is the first-line approach.