As a neurologist for movement disorders, I help patients who develop tremors, stiffness, jerks, or restlessness due to side effects of certain medicines. If you or a loved one has noticed new movements after starting psychiatric or anti-nausea drugs, this page will help you understand how I identify and treat drug-induced movement disorders safely.
Hello, I’m Dr. Mitesh Chandarana
I’m a neurologist and movement disorder specialist. Sometimes, the medicines we take for other problems — like psychiatric illness, nausea, or dizziness — can cause new movement symptoms. These are called drug-induced movement disorders.
The good news is, many of these are reversible if caught early. My job is to identify the cause and help you return to normal movement.
What Are Drug-Induced Movement Disorders?
These are movement problems that happen as a side effect of certain medications. They are not due to a brain disease, but rather how the drug affects the brain’s movement circuits.
Common symptoms include:
- Tremors (shaking hands or legs)
- Dystonia (abnormal pulling or twisting of muscles)
- Akathisia (restlessness — a strong urge to move constantly)
- Tardive Dyskinesia (slow, repetitive movements of the face, mouth, or limbs)
- Parkinsonism (slowness, stiffness, balance problems)
Which Medicines Can Cause These Movements?
I usually see drug-induced movement disorders in patients taking:
- Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine)
- Antidepressants
- Anti-nausea drugs (e.g., metoclopramide, levosulpiride, domperidone)
- Calcium channel blockers
- Mood stabilizers
- Some epilepsy medicines
Even herbal or over-the-counter drugs can sometimes cause symptoms.
How Do These Symptoms Appear?
Drug-Induced Parkinsonism
- Slowness in walking
- Facial expression becomes dull
- Tremor or rigidity
- Often seen in older adults
Tardive Dyskinesia
- Repetitive lip smacking
- Chewing or jaw movements
- Finger movements or leg tapping
- Usually appears after months or years of drug use
Acute Dystonia
- Sudden neck or eye turning
- Jaw pulling or muscle stiffness
- May happen within days of starting a drug
- More common in young people
Akathisia
- Inner restlessness
- Constant movement — can’t sit still
- Often misdiagnosed as anxiety
How I Diagnose Drug-Induced Movement Disorders
I take time to:
- Understand which medicines you are taking
- Review when symptoms started
- Perform a full movement examination
- Rule out other causes like Parkinson’s or stroke
- Sometimes I may advise brain scan or blood tests if needed
The key is matching the timeline of symptoms with the medicine history.
How I Treat Drug-Induced Movement Disorders
1. Stopping or Changing the Medicine
- I work with your psychiatrist or treating doctor to safely stop or switch the medicine
- We taper the medicine if needed
- In many cases, this alone improves symptoms
2. Oral Medications
If symptoms continue or are severe, I prescribe:
- Anticholinergics for drug-induced Parkinsonism
- Benzodiazepines or beta blockers for akathisia
- VMAT2 inhibitors (like tetrabenazine) for tardive dyskinesia
- Muscle relaxants for dystonia
3. Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections
In severe dystonia or facial movements, Botox may be used to:
- Relax affected muscles
- Improve pain and posture
- Reduce embarrassment in social settings
I use precise injections guided by clinical exam and sometimes EMG.
4. Psychological Support
- These symptoms can be stressful or embarrassing
- I offer reassurance that it’s not your fault
- I support emotional well-being during treatment and recovery
My Goal: Identify Early, Treat Gently, Support Completely
Most patients with drug-induced movements are scared or confused. They don’t know if it’s a disease or side effect. My job is to clear that confusion, act quickly, and bring relief without judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are these side effects permanent?
Not always. Many improve when the drug is stopped. But early detection is key to prevent long-term damage. Know More
Q2. Is this Parkinson’s disease?
No. Drug-induced Parkinsonism is different and may go away after stopping the drug. Know More
Q3. Can I stop psychiatric medicines on my own?
No. Always consult your psychiatrist. I work together with them to make safe changes. Know More
Q4. Are Botulinum injections(Botox) safe for this?
Yes. When done by a trained neurologist, Botulinum Injection is very safe and effective for drug-induced dystonia. Know More
Q5. How long does recovery take?
It depends. Some improve in days, others in weeks or months. I monitor progress regularly. Know More
Let’s Find the Cause and Treat It Right
If you’ve developed new tremors, jerks, or stiffness after starting a new medicine — don’t panic. I’ll help you figure it out and build a treatment plan that makes you feel better.
Book Your Appointment Today
📞 Call: 8866843843
📍 Medisquare Superspeciality Hospital, Ahmedabad
