Daniel R. - $10,500,000.00
Tardive dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia Highlights
- Dopamine antoagonists medications are generally prescribed for psychiatric disorders, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders.
- Those who have been treated with dopamine antagonists for four years or longer are at an increased risk for developing tardive dyskinesia.
- Some are vulnerable to the development of tardive dyskinesias, even after receiving a single dose of dopamine antagonists.
About Tardive dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia is a disorder resulting from damage to the systems that use and process dopamine within the body. Dopamine works with the brain to regulate movement and emotion. Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements of the mouth, tongue, jaw and cheeks. Some may experience rapid eye blinking and purposless movement in the digits, limbs and trunk. This condition has been linked with patients taking prescription medications that block dopamine receptors. These medications are called dopamine antoagonists. They are generally prescribed for psychiatric, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders.
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Patients suffering with Tardive dyskinesia may have been originally treated with a dopamine antagonist from one of the three classifications. Antiemetics are dopamine antagonist prescribed to patients with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, acid reflux and gastroparesis. Antiemetics block the dopamine receptors of the digestive system. Common medications in this classification are Droperidol, Metoclopramide, and Domperidone. Atypical anitpsychotics are dopamine antagonists used to treat psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar depression. Risperidone, Clozapine, Olanzapine, Ziprasidone, and Quetiapine are in this classification. Tricyclic antidepressants such as Clomipramine and Amoxapine are dopamine antagonist medications used to treat clinical depression, attention-deficit, hyperactivity disorder, and chronic pain.
Those who have been treated with dopamine antagonists for four years or longer are at an increased risk for developing tardive dyskinesia. The use of alcohol and tobacco can increase the risk and post menopausal women are also at greater risk because of lower estrogen levels. People with fetal alcohol syndrome, developmental disabilities, and some brain disorders are vulnerable to the development of tardive dyskinesia, even after receiving a single dose of dopamine antagonists.
Conditions Caused By Tardive dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia can develop and persist long after use of the medication causing the disorder has been discontinued. There is no cure for tardive dyskinesia although in some cases the condition can be managed. Unfortunately, Tardive dyskinesia is often misdiagnosed as Mental illness and further treated with medication, resulting in an increased risk the patient will develop a severe and disabling case.
Side Effects & Symptoms
- Movement of the lips such as grimacing, smacking or pursing.
- Rapid movement of the tongue or sticking out the tongue.
- Puffing the cheeks.
- Rapid blinking.
- Impaired finger movement.
- Rapid movements of the arms.
- Toe tapping or moving the leg up and down.
- Twisting and bending of the torso.
Warnings & Recalls
- A research team in Maryland published findings in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Associationn In 2004. They concluded that the use of metoclopramide may lead to the development of symptoms associated with tardive dyskinesia.
- In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that research suggests the use of metoclopramide is the most common cause of drug-induced movement disorders.
