What is a concerning side effect of using typical antipsychotics that involves involuntary facial movements?

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Tardive dyskinesia is a serious and often irreversible side effect that can develop as a result of long-term use of typical antipsychotics. It is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements, especially of the facial muscles, such as grimacing, lip smacking, and tongue protrusion, as well as movements of the limbs and trunk. The exact mechanism by which typical antipsychotics cause tardive dyskinesia is not completely understood, but it is believed to be related to dopamine receptor supersensitivity that develops due to prolonged dopamine blockade.

This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life and often persists even after discontinuation of the offending medication, making it particularly concerning for both patients and clinicians.

Other movement disorders associated with antipsychotic use include akathisia, characterized by a feeling of inner restlessness; Parkinsonism, which exhibits symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease such as tremors and rigidity; and dystonia, which involves sustained muscle contractions and abnormal postures. While all these can be concerning side effects, tardive dyskinesia is uniquely defined by its involuntary facial movements and is specifically tied to long-term usage of typical antipsychotics, which highlights its significance in clinical practice.

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