Can Lexapro cause tardive dyskinesia?

Antidepressants can give you TD, I have a family member who has it from trazodone. In fact any medication that alters your brain can give TD to you. Most doctors have no clue about TD, except reading about it once in school.

I do think Lexapro causes TD. I have been on this SSRI for over 20 years and I have been told by family members that I grimace and move my lips and cheeks all the time. I am so embarrassed out in public. I dont even know I do this. I cant even feel my face moving. I 100% blame Lexapro!

There is a similar condition called dystonia which can cause uncontrollable muscle contractions in any part of the body. It can be caused by many medications including the antidepressants and can appear as early as several days on a medication.
"Dystonia is a movement disorder in which a person's muscles contract uncontrollably. The contraction causes the affected body part to twist involuntarily, resulting in repetitive movements or abnormal postures. Dystonia can affect one muscle, a muscle group, or the entire body. "
"LEXAPRO
Nervous System
Uncommon (0.1% to 1% of users): Dystonia"
Although in some cases it may require medication or other treatments the symptoms may resolve with discontinuation of the causative drug.

I was off Lexapro and just started back on it again, and I have TD again. I never knew what it was, but now I am seeing the cause-and-effect. I cannot control my mouth or my hands/fingers. Life's not that bad, so I think I'm going to wean off and see if it stops again.

I took Lexapro for anxiety/depression for 1 month. A psychiatric nurse friend noticed involuntary mouth movements and a finger motion called "pill rolling", and told me I had tardive dyskinesia. I stopped the medication but continued the symptoms for at least two years. My psychiatrist told me he had never heard of tardive dyskinesia in connection with Lexapro. I was taking benzodiazepines (Klonopin) at the same time, and still do.

Dear mpx0lwn65dc, I am sorry this answer is so slow in coming but I have been away from this site for awhile. I was told by a well known Neurologist in the Philadelphia area that it is "a disgrace the way Abilify is marketed because of its potential for harm from disorders such as tardive dyskinesia and others that can develop after only a short course of treatment and are often untreatable," I have suffered from TD for almost two years now and I have tried many different treatments. The results range from totally ineffective to mildly helpful, but I have yet to come close to a cure. If you would like me to discuss my experience in greater detail with you: a) read my profile b) friend me c) Private Question me. I would be delighted if I could be of any help to you and maybe your experience could also help me! You are not alone, take care, Lisa Z.

I agree with the doctor. Abilify is the likely culprit. If the spasms are increasing, might be worth talking to the doc again and try decreasing the Lexapro to 10mgs to see if it helps.

Hello mpxOIwn65dc. I believe you will fine once your body has adjusted itself without the Abilify. The antipsychotics are prone to TD. and even then, it is after years of being on one or several off them.If you plan to stop the lexapro, the side effects can be harsh. A taper is suggested. I would not miss a dose. Continue on your present regeime/schedule. (I am not a doctor) Regards pledge