Medication-Induced Movement Disorders and Other Adverse Effects of Medication

Medication-Induced Movement Disorders and Other Adverse Effects of Medication encompass several disorders, each resulting from the adverse effects of medication. These disorders include:

1. Medication-Induced Acute Akathisia: Characterised by feelings of restlessness and a need to move, often caused by antipsychotic drugs.
2. Medication-Induced Postural Tremor: Typically seen in patients taking mood stabilisers or stimulants, presenting as a rhythmic shaking.
3. Neuroleptic-Induced Parkinsonism: Resembles Parkinson’s disease symptoms (like rigidity, tremor) and is induced by antipsychotic medications.
4. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): A serious condition often caused by antipsychotic drugs, characterised by muscle rigidity, fever, and autonomic instability.
5. Tardive Dyskinesia: Involves repetitive, involuntary movements, often affecting the mouth, lips, and tongue, primarily caused by long-term use of antipsychotic medications.
6. Tardive Dystonia: Similar to tardive dyskinesia but involves sustained muscle contractions, leading to twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures.
7. Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome: Occurs upon abrupt discontinuation of certain antidepressants, with symptoms like flu-like feelings, insomnia, nausea, imbalance, sensory disturbances, and hyperarousal.
8. Other Medication-Induced Movement Disorders and Unspecified Medication-Induced Movement Disorders: This category includes movement disorders due to medication that do not fit into the specified categories above.

It’s important to note that these disorders are directly linked to the use of medication and typically resolve upon adjustment or discontinuation of the offending medication, although some, like tardive dyskinesia, can be long-lasting or permanent even after stopping the medication. Diagnosis and management of these conditions require a thorough medical evaluation and often involve a multidisciplinary approach.