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Warning-sign checks

Tardive oral dyskinesia: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if you have trouble breathing, cannot clear food from your airway, or develop a sudden severe spasm of the tongue, jaw, or neck.

    A sudden spasm soon after starting or increasing a medicine may be an acute dystonic reaction rather than tardive dyskinesia, but it can still require emergency treatment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange a routine but prompt appointment if you notice new repetitive movements of your lips, tongue, jaw, or face, especially if you take or previously took an antipsychotic or dopamine-blocking nausea medicine.

    Get urgent help if you cannot swallow fluids, are becoming dehydrated, or repeatedly choke while eating.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

The article also says

Seek faster medical advice if the movements are worsening, causing mouth injuries, interfering with eating or drinking, or making speech difficult.

New movements after a medication change should also be reported.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Tardive oral dyskinesia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.