Dyskinesias — what they are and what you can do right now

Dyskinesias are involuntary, often repetitive movements — think jerks, twists, or fidgety limbs — that can appear because of a disease or a medication. If you’ve noticed new shaking or weird movements, don’t panic. Most causes are treatable or manageable once you get the right diagnosis and adjust treatment.

Common causes and the meds to watch for

The two main types you’ll hear about are levodopa-induced dyskinesia (common in Parkinson’s disease) and tardive dyskinesia (usually linked to long-term use of dopamine-blocking drugs, like some antipsychotics). Other medicines can also trigger movement problems: certain antidepressants, stimulants, and rarely drugs like bupropion (Wellbutrin) or medications used for ADHD or other conditions. New or changing meds deserve special attention if movements start after a prescription change.

Practical steps you can take today

Start a short symptom diary. Note when movements happen, how long they last, what you were doing, and any meds you took. A 10–30 second phone video is incredibly helpful for doctors — it shows the pattern and timing better than a description. Bring a full list of your prescriptions and supplements to appointments; small interactions can matter.

Ask your doctor to review your meds before anything else. Often the answer is a dose tweak, changing timing, or switching to a drug less likely to cause dyskinesia. For levodopa-related movements, splitting doses or lowering peak doses sometimes helps. For tardive dyskinesia, stopping the offending drug (under supervision) and switching to alternatives can reduce symptoms.

There are specific treatments that work for many people: amantadine can reduce levodopa-induced dyskinesia for some, and newer drugs are approved for tardive dyskinesia. In more persistent cases, a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders may suggest advanced options like deep brain stimulation. Physical therapy and targeted exercises can also improve control and reduce the impact on daily life.

Small lifestyle moves help too: keep hydrated, manage stress, reduce caffeine if it worsens movements, and prioritize sleep — low sleep often makes dyskinesias worse. Avoid abruptly stopping or starting medications without medical advice; that can make movement problems spike.

See a doctor right away if movements are sudden, painful, cause falls, or rapidly interfere with breathing or swallowing. Otherwise, book a review with your prescribing doctor or a movement disorder specialist when dyskinesia starts affecting daily tasks or mood.

Want deeper reading? Check related guides on this site like "Key Questions About Rivastigmine Treatment for Cognitive Decline" (useful if Parkinson’s is a concern), "Wellbutrin: Uses, Side Effects," and articles on medication interactions. Bring those titles to your appointment if you think a listed drug may be involved.

Bottom line: record symptoms, get a med review, and ask for a specialist referral if needed. With the right steps most people reduce the impact of dyskinesias and get back to everyday life.