Are vitamin supplements effective for tardive dyskinesia?

Question

Hello Doctor,

I am a 36-year-old female with bipolar disorder. After years of taking antipsychotic medications, I developed tardive dyskinesia, which includes symptoms like lip smacking, blinking, and tongue movements. This has become quite embarrassing for me socially. My psychiatrist has already reduced my medication dose.

I've been seeing a lot online about vitamin B6 and vitamin E possibly helping with tardive dyskinesia. As someone who's 36 and living with this condition, is it worth trying these?

I'm also on lithium and thyroid medication, so I'm a little concerned about whether taking high doses of these vitamins could cause side effects or interfere with what I'm already taking. Is there actually solid evidence behind these supplements for tardive dyskinesia, or is it mainly just people sharing what worked for them?

Please guide.

Thank you

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Please share your current treatment and past treatment records with me. There are different treatment strategies available for tardive dyskinesia, and the best option will depend on your current medications, how long you have been on antipsychotics, and the dosage and type of antipsychotic being used.

High-dose vitamin E usually ranges from 400 to 1600 mg a day, split into smaller doses throughout the day. Vitamin B6 is another option with evidence behind it, as it can help ease tremors. Since both are antioxidants, they tend to have very little interaction with psychiatric medications.

The FDA has approved Tetrabenazine and Valbenazine for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia, both of which have shown good response rates in the market. Clonazepam and Amantadine are also effective, evidence-based treatment options available for individuals with tardive dyskinesia.

Please respond with your treatment records. This information is helpful to you.

Take care.