Unraveling Tardive Syndrome: Involuntary Movements and Sensory Complaints Persist Despite New Antipsychotic Drugs

Researchers in a recent study gathered information on tardive syndrome (TS) as TS continues to persist despite the availability of newer antipsychotic drugs. TS is a secondary syndrome resulting from the use of dopamine receptor-blocking agents, and it can manifest in different forms such as dyskinesia, dystonia, akathisia, tremors, and parkinsonism. These symptoms often persist even after discontinuing the medication and may worsen over time. Treatment options for TS involve discontinuation or replacement of the medication with atypical antipsychotics like quetiapine or clozapine. Additionally, dopamine depleters such as tetrabenazine and its derivatives (deutetrabenazine and valbenazine) are used to alleviate symptoms with fewer side effects. Deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus internus has also shown effectiveness in treating TS, particularly when medications fail to improve symptoms.

Reference: Badarny S, Nassar R, Badarny Y. Tardive Syndrome Is a Mysterious Phenomenon with Different Clinical Manifestations-Review. J Clin Med. 2023 Feb 14;12(4):1498. doi: 10.3390/jcm12041498.

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