Some studies suggest vitamin E may hasten the resolution of symptoms. The main side effect seen with this type of drug is drowsiness. Dopamine depleting drugs are probably the most effective medications used to treat tardive dyskinesia. Two commonly used drugs in this class are reserpine and methyldopa. These medications have side effects including depression, apathy, lowered blood pressure and parkinsonism.
Side effects can include slowed heart rate, lowered blood pressure and depression.
It should be used cautiously in persons with certain types of heart and respiratory diseases. Certain types of tardive dystonia may also be treated effectively with local injections of botulinum toxin. Treatment may require trials of different medications at different doses and a great deal of patience. Just as each individual is unique, so must the medication regimen be tailored to their specific needs. While some tardive syndromes are persistent, most individuals gain some degree of relief with oral medications and the natural resolution of symptoms as time off the offending agent increases.