It consists of involuntary facial movements - spasms of the tongue and mouth. Sometimes it is accompanied by movements of limbs or other muscular systems. When the dosage of medication is reduced - there will be a temporary worsening of the symptoms before there is an improvement. For some people, there is a risk that tardive dyskinesia may become permanent. This risk increases with age, but occasionally there are young patients who are disabled by tardive dyskinesia.
Families warn that some individuals are bothered more than others by side effects.
They may feel embarrassed by involuntary movements, or frustrated by a lack of energy. These individuals may quite easily decide to stop their medication. In such a situation, families and health care professionals say that it may be preferable to lower the dosage of medication, even though some minor symptoms persist. This should be fully explained and discussed with your relative. Families state that it is important that you understand as much as possible about side effects.