What is tardive dyskinesia and why is it a serious concern?

Tardive dyskinesia is a potentially irreversible movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, jaw, and limbs, such as lip smacking, tongue protrusion, and grimacing. It develops after prolonged use of dopamine-blocking medications, primarily typical antipsychotics, and results from dopamine receptor supersensitivity after chronic blockade. Once established, tardive dyskinesia may persist even after discontinuing the offending medication. Newer treatments including valbenazine and deutetrabenazine can reduce symptoms.