How can my brother manage his schizophrenia well at 40?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My brother, who is 40 years old, has been suffering from Schizophrenia for the last seven years. He is taking medications like Haloperidol, Paliperidone. He is doing ok. However, recently he has developed strange symptoms like sudden unnatural movement of facial muscles, eyelids, and hands. Also, for the last three days, his tongue has started moving unnaturally. As a result, he is having difficulty talking and eating. Please tell me what it is?
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
From your description, your brother’s new symptoms, such as
-
Sudden abnormal facial, eyelid.
-
Hand and tongue movements.
-
Speech and eating difficulty
These symptoms are very suggestive of tardive dyskinesia (TD). This is a movement disorder that can develop after long-term use of antipsychotic medications such as Haloperidol (an antipsychotic agent) and Paliperidone (an atypical antipsychotic medication). TD is caused by long-term dopamine receptor changes in the brain and may persist or worsen even if the offending drug is reduced or stopped.
You can inform his psychiatrist promptly so they can confirm the diagnosis and decide whether to adjust his current medications. In some cases, switching to a newer antipsychotic with a lower TD risk may help.
Specific medicines called VMAT (vesicular monoamine transporter) 2 inhibitors (Valbenazine, Deutetrabenazine) can significantly reduce TD symptoms, but they must be prescribed and monitored by a specialist. Speech and swallowing therapy can help with eating and communication difficulties while the movements are being addressed. Early intervention is important, as the chances of improvement are better when TD is recognized and treated promptly.
I hope this information helps you.
Feel free to ask further queries.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
Does muscle twitching in the arms, elbows, and nose bridge indicate ALS?
I am 55, male. Is Haloperidol causing my tardive dyskinesia?
Can muscle twitching be caused by electrolyte imbalance, vitamin deficiency, or post-infectious inflammation?
Schizophrenia: Recognition and Treatment of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia
Which antipsychotic medicine will cause the least weight gain?
Schizophrenia - Clinical Features and Its Genetics
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.