Lithium and Tardive Dyskinesia
On the Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Learning Network, Dr. Goldberg discusses the link between lithium and tardive dyskinesia (TD). While rare, Dr. Goldberg states that there is evidence of lithium causing TD in case reports. He also states what the course of action may be for someone who has taken lithium for 30 years who has suddenly developed shaking.
Drugs That Cause Tardive Dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is mainly caused by the prolonged use of antipsychotic therapies. There are newer atypical antipsychotic therapies that are only sometimes linked to TD that include olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, paliperidone, and amisulpride. Other drugs that may cause TD include metoclopramide, antihistamines, fluoxetine, and amoxapine. When a patient is diagnosed with TD, treatment may include a reevaluation and adjustment of medications. There are available treatments to aid in counteracting the symptoms of TD. Those with schizophrenia, developmental disabilities, and other neuropsychiatric disorders may be more susceptible to TD if they are prescribed dopamine-receptor blocking therapies.
