What type of medications can lead to increased risk of tardive dyskinesia when used long-term?

Tardive dyskinesia is a serious movement disorder that is often associated with long-term use of certain types of medications, particularly antipsychotics. These medications, which are primarily used to treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can lead to the development of tardive dyskinesia due to their mechanism of action, which involves blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Over time, this dopamine receptor blockade can result in neuroadaptations that manifest as involuntary, repetitive movements, characteristic of tardive dyskinesia.

The risk of developing this condition increases with the duration of treatment and the dosage of antipsychotics prescribed, particularly the first-generation (typical) antipsychotics, although second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics also carry some risk, albeit generally lower. Though other classes of medications listed may have side effects, they are not associated with tardive dyskinesia. Thus, the correct identification of antipsychotics as the medication type leading to increased risk underscores their specific pharmacological effects and the importance of monitoring patients receiving long-term treatment.