... If so, what are your symptoms? Are you taking any meds to help ease up on the side effects of Lexapro?
I have been taking Lexapro for several years. Has anyone developed Tardive Dyskinesia as a result?
Question posted by lilypoet on 26 June 2011
Last updated on 11 July 2021
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
9 Answers
TinyT16
12 July 2021
Yes, I think Lexapro causes TD too. I have only taken SSRIs in my lifetime, Lexapro being the main one for the past 20+ years. I am told constantly by family members, that my lips, cheeks, mouth are grimacing and tremoring. I am getting so self conscious about it. I do not even feel my mouth move and yet I am told that I am twitching again. Embarrassing and 100% blame Lexapro!
James Stephen
21 Jan 2021
I have been taking Lexapro for the past 15 years. I have textbook symptoms of TD. The only other meds I take are ibuprofen, baby aspirin, and Adderall. I am not asking for a diagnosis, but just some evidence to find out for sure
TinyT16
12 July 2021
Same here.
Vladimir Tepes
12 March 2019
I developed tardive dyskinesia from the combination effect of Lexapro and Dilaudid and then it was dose dependent. The tardive dyskinesia type symptoms immediately stopped when I stopped Lexapro. While I am not a medical professional anymore, former paramedic 30 years ago, but my wife is an active physician and it is not a self diagnosis and we both are conversant in neurological disorders.
jnesta1
14 Dec 2012
TD is generally not a side effect of lexapro or that class of anti depressants. teh most commone sdie effects of those meds are sexual. as stated well in teh answers above, TD is most commonly caused by traditionl anti psychotics. good luck to you!
rszulu
1 July 2011
No. I have taken Lexapro a long time. Usually antipsychotics can cause that.
lilypoet
1 July 2011
Thanks so much to all who gave me more insight to tardive dyskinesia. As you said, I was taking Thorazine for a time--perhaps that is the cause of my TD. I have been off that med for a time. As I said, I'm hoping that Cogentin will help alleviate some of these involuntary movements. They are very discouraging to me. Presently, my symptoms include eye tics, mouth grimacing and pursing of the lips. It seems most of the movement involves my mouth and head. I feel very self-conscious and try to focus and stop the movements--it does very little to help. Hopefully, in time, the symptoms will lessen.
Thanks again for your help--If at any time you want support or feel like sharing, please don't hesitate in contacting me.
Take care!
Lisa
lisajznj
28 Jan 2012
Lisa please be careful with the cogentin. That was my psych's first attempt at alleviating my TD and I was told by a neurologist to immediately stop taking it as it can easily worsen the TD. Please question your doctor about this and research the associated affects. Stopping the cogentin didn't make me any better but I was thankful for the info that it could make me worse. Have you heard anything positive or negative about Botox injections as a treatment? That is what my neurologist is suggesting. Any info is appreciated. Thank you for being a part of this group I plan on becoming an active member as I am suffering from severe TD symptoms mostly concentrated in my mouth, tongue and jaw. Thanks again and my best to you, Lisa Z. (great name btw!)
Inactive
27 June 2011
Hello Liliypoet. The chances of developing Tardive Dyskinesia from taking lexapro for any numbers of years is very, very slim. Laurie and Delila brought up very fine points. Its associated with the older anti-psycotics. Once it sets in, its almost ever irreversable. If caught in its early stages, the medication is stopped, and hopefully, so does Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) I'll list some of the medications associated withTD... Mellaril, Navane, Haldol, Thorazine, Trilafon, Moban, Stelazine. These medications come under the heading of anti-psychotics. I was on several of these drugs some years ago, as they are also used to treat severe depression. While on these meds, I was taking on seperate occasions, Mellerail, Haldol, Stelazine, and Thorazine, I was monitered by my drs for TD. It takes usually a year for the first symptons to show themselves.
I knew about TD, and was always on alert, watchfull, for I've seen, while on pscyh. wards, people who have/had TD and its very frightening, to know that you can possiblty come down with it. Very crushing might be the word. Its simple, the formula is this, the more time you are treated with antipsychotic medications, and the longer you might be on a particular antipsycohotic drug, the better chance you have of getting TD. Well, went on a bit, as I can do, wishing you the best.
Inactive
27 June 2011
That's very interesting - I was on several of these medications back in the early days of treating depression. My doctor never said a word about TD and it's symptoms, although I saw people that had it while I was inpatient. Guess I was really lucky I never had to deal with it. Hope you can get effective relief without having to suffer from it's effects.
Inactive
29 June 2011
Bit late in a comment, but thats alias slowpoke. ha! Yes ElizaJane, and I am not surprised what you mentioned, that your drs. never said anything in regards to Tardive Dyskinesia. Neither mine. It was only when my psychiatrist, was sick, and at the last moment, he had a stand in. I was then, receiving treatment as an outpatient from a psychiatric clinic in a hospital. Very kind man, he was amazed that given my medications at the time, I wasn't aware of TD. He explained to me in great details, and referenced books, no cmputers in those days, where I could go and either buy at a book store, or read up on TD at a library. It made a hugh impact on me, and to this day, am greatfull that he took the time to make me aware of TD.
As you said ElizaJane, you've seen people who have it, and its so sad, and knowing that when its at a stage where its not reversable, that person has the twitches, the involuntary movements of the head, lips neck, and so on and so forth.The debate is often this, help and give the person the medication, to bring relief to that persons life, and the con, is that most usually within a year and a few months, develop TD. In some states,( I've heard this but do not know which ones) in America its a law, that patients be told of the ramifications of long term use regarding anti-psycohotic drugs. Meaning TD. Gone on a bit.best of wishes.
lilypoet
30 June 2011
Thanks so much for the information pertaining to tardive dyskinesia. I do have some problems relating to this--eye twitching, pursing lips, some facial movements--it is so uncomfortable and unsightly. It's difficult enough having bi polar disorder to deal with. I do realize that my "case" is shared by thousands--some worse, some better. I'm hopeful to rid myself of these symptoms.
Thanks again for your thoughtfulness and concern. Please don't hesitate to contact me. I have great listening skills!
Take care!
Lisa
Inactive
30 June 2011
Hello again, Lillypoet. Thanks for getting back to us. I feel for you, in that you have tardive dyskinesia. Be carefull, please, once it has set in, it will only increase to manifest itself. I understand the need for your medication(s), and its almost a catch 22 in as much as you take them to help you with your illness. Anyhow, don't mean to sound like a dr. ha! welcome to the site, its a neat place to be, we come from all walks of life, various diagnosis, from many areas of the world. Some of us are very active, myself for instance, and post and comment on a daily basis. Well, Lisa, be well, and you are always welcome to participate and lend an ear if you so choose to.
Delila
27 June 2011
Hi, i get tardive dyskinesia from the seroquel i take for bipolar. Laurie is right, if it is effecting you badly you will need to discontinue the treatment. Unfortunately there is no treatment according to my doctor. Mine only happens when i am tired or when i go to bed so it isn't a big problem for me. I had to weigh up the pro's and con's of stopping the seroquel, but it has been so good for me i've continued with it. Sorry this isn't very helpful but at least you know your options.
LaurieShay
26 June 2011
Hey lilypoet,
Tardive dyskinesia is generally not a result of antidepressants like Lexapro. It usually is a result of the older antipsychotics or neuroleptics. For a quick summary of the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia you can go to:
http://health.yahoo.net/adamcontent/tardive-dyskinesia
Generally, the treatment is to discontinue the drug which caused it. The symptoms may subside though sometimes they may not.
Do you have tardive dyskinesia?
Best wishes,
Laurie
Related topics
lexapro, depression, bipolar disorder, tardive dyskinesia, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, side effect
Further information
- Lexapro uses and safety info
- Lexapro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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