Do people with tardive dyskinesia (TD) have difficulty in sleeping?
Question posted by urgent on 30 Dec 2010
Last updated on 25 December 2013 by kinoini
Hi there, I recently am on medication of Seroquel 100mg every night for my anxiety and severe insomnia. After less than 3 months, I found my left leg sometimes have involuntary movement (some little tic inside my leg), it is very very mild but I am afraid of developing TD, tardive dyskinesia.
I told my psy dr. she seems to think it is fine to continue the medication and gives me a few Artane(Artandyl) 2mg to try. I want to ask: 1) Does it sound like TD? 2) And if people with TD find it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep?
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3 Answers
KI
kinoini
25 Dec 2013
I have TD, and your symptoms don't sound like TD. TD is generally confined to tic-like movements of the facial muscles. However, according to the literture I've read, it can sometimes show in the limbs, fingers, toes, and some times in the torso. Again, from what I've read and my fellow TD suffers it is confined to facial muscles, tongue movements, etc.
To answer your question, it doesn't sound like TD. However, if you are diagnosed with TD (which should be confirmed by a neurologist) ask your psych about amatadine. It's an anti-viral, but strangely calms TD symptoms. My symptoms have gone from severe to barely noticeable taking amatadine.
Votes: +0
SP
Springer10
31 Dec 2010
Hi, I wanted to reply as well to your question. What you are describing sounds like TD, especially if this leg movement started after taking the seroquel. TD has been seen in patients as early as a few days of starting these neuroleptics-even the so-called safe atypical ones like seroquel. The info below describes how TD comes about in the legs too. Also, I do not like that docs give drugs to quiet down the effects of TD as they only mask TD:
TD is characterized by coordinated, constant movements of the mouth, tongue, jaw, and cheeks. Jaw movements may be from side-to-side, or they may look like chewing motions. The tongue movements may be squirming or twisting (choreoathetoid). If trunk movements are present, they are typically in the form of rapid forward motions of the lower abdomen and hips (pelvic thrusting) or twisting or flicking movements of the arms and legs.
The involuntary abnormal repeated movements of TD may also include lip smacking, cheek puffing, tongue thrusting, finger flicking, and trunk twisting.
TD symptoms can range from mild to severe, based on the frequency and intensity of the movements. When severe, abnormal movements of the tongue may occur up to 66 times per minute. The numbers of these movements are often reduced when the patient moves affected body parts. Movement may be increased when the patient moves unaffected body parts. The abnormal movements usually decrease with emotional arousal, increase with relaxation, and disappear during sleep.
Votes: +5
SP
Springer10
31 Dec 2010
I almost forgot, TD can and does interfere with sleeping. Our eminent maso4169 is on seroquel and is very knowledgeable towards these things. I would friend him and heed his advice. Your friend,
JK
jk13
30 Dec 2010
My understanding as a patient who takes abilify, a med that can also cause TD, I was told to watch my tongue, as that's usually the first place that it'll happen, involuntary tongue movements. This is only my understanding, and regardless if it's TD or not, I would think that this is something that your doc needs to know asap. Good luck, and please do update the post once you find out more info as I'm personally interested! thanks, Jeff K
Votes: +2
UR
urgent
2 Jan 2011
Thanks for your answer, I told my psy dr. and she thought it is a result of the medicine. Next time I will ask her which medicine causes it... I am still on Efexor 37.5mg and Seroquel 100mg She has reduced Efexor and added Trazodone (Trittico) 50 mg. I will ask if Trazodone has less chance for TD as it can make me sleep well also.
LI
lisajznj
29 Jan 2012
Jeff, I was also on abilify onn and off for a few years. I have been on alot of different meds so I (or the doctors) am not sure what caused my TD but it is severe and mostly concentrated in my mouth tongue and jaw. You are right on about being aware of tongue movement as mine started as a very mild habit of running my tongue behind my teeth. At first I thought it was a dental problem but I mentioned it to my psych anyway. I was put off from doctors of all kinds until it geveloped into what has been the most debilitating illness I have ever experienced. If you have even a slight suspicion that you are experiencing symptoms tell your doctor and don't let them minimize the seriousness. I don't know why you are taking the abilify, but I would also recommend you discuss an alternative med with your dr.
I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that the movement disorder specialist I am now seeing voiced a very strong opinion about the disgrace of the marketing and prescribing of abilify as in his experience it has been a major factor in the development of TD. I am not an expert, just a sufferer that would not wish this disorder on anyone. I hope this info helps you, please be careful and be well. Lisa Z
