Several Prescription Drugs Linked to Tardive Dyskinesia
By Jim Greene
Published on September 23, 2009
Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder that can severely disrupt the victim's life. This neurological syndrome is caused by the long-term use of neuroleptic drugs. Victims can display a host of involuntary motions, such as grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, puckering and pursing, rapid eye blinking, and rapid movements of the arms, legs, and torso.
The drugs linked to tardive dyskinesia include dopamine agonists such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and metoclopramide. Metoclopramide is most widely known under the brand name Reglan®, which is recommended for short-term use (four to 12 weeks) in treating several gastrointestinal disorders.
Lawsuits brought against metoclopramide manufacturers have alleged that these companies did not do enough to warn doctors and their patients of the potential danger of longer-term use.
Antipsychotics most often linked to tardive dyskinesia are first-generation neuroleptics, such as Thorazine (chloropromazine HCl), Haldol® (haloperidol), and the fluphenazine HCl products Permitil and Prolixin.
Paxil® (paroxetine HCl), Zoloft® (sertraline HCl), Lexapro® (escitalopram oxalate), and Celexa® (citalopram HBr) are among the antidepressants linked to tardive dyskinesia.
If you or someone you care about has developed tardive dyskinesia after being treated with these or any similar drugs, contact an attorney right away to learn about your legal rights. You may be eligible for monetary assistance in dealing with this debilitating condition.
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