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Updated on October 22, 2025
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological condition that affects people taking certain medications. It is most often associated with taking medications that affect how the brain uses a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry signals between nerve cells and other cells. Dopamine is involved in many functions, including movement.
Most commonly, TD is associated with neuroleptic medications (also known as antipsychotic medications), which are used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other serious mental health disorders.
TD also affects people taking medications for other health conditions, including medications that treat depression, bipolar disorder, Parkinson’s disease, nausea, allergies, malaria, and seizures.
People who have TD experience involuntary, repetitive movements. These involuntary movements can include rapid blinking, grimacing, puffing out the cheeks, puckering the lips, sticking out the tongue, and grunting. Movements can also affect the arms, legs, and torso.
Beyond the physical symptoms, TD can disrupt many areas of a person’s life, including physical health, mental health, daily functioning, and socializing.
Treatment for TD
There is no cure for TD. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life.
A healthcare provider may adjust or switch the medications that caused or contributed to TD. Changes like this should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider. There is a risk of symptoms becoming worse with medication changes. This includes worsening involuntary movements and worsening symptoms of the underlying condition. For a person taking neuroleptics, there is a risk of relapsing psychosis.
There are also several medications approved for the treatment of TD. These medications are called vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors. These medications work by lowering neurotransmitter activity, which can help reduce involuntary movements.
Reducing the cost of treatment
Cost is something that needs to be considered when deciding how to treat any medical condition. If you or a loved one is living with TD and a healthcare provider is recommending a medication for TD and the cost of that medication is a concern, the following strategies may be helpful.
Talk to your healthcare provider
This should be your first step whenever you have a concern about a medication, including anything that might interfere with your ability to take that medication. Medications can be expensive. Healthcare providers understand this, and they may be able to help you find ways to reduce the cost or recommend strategies.
Contact your insurance company
Cost and coverage for specific medications can vary between different insurance plans. You may need to contact your insurance provider to find out what medications are covered and what out-of-pocket costs you'll be expected to cover.
Manufacturer discounts and savings
Drug manufacturers sometimes offer programs that can help reduce the cost of medications. Information about these programs can be found on the website for a specific drug. Programs are not available for every medication, and there are requirements that must be met to qualify.
Here are two types of programs to look for:
- Copay cards. Also known as copay savings programs, copay cards are typically issued to people who have insurance through a provider or insurance they have purchased on their own. Copay cards have a discount code that will be presented to a pharmacist to apply a discount to a specific drug.
- Patient assistance programs (PAPs).These are usually for people who are uninsured or underinsured and cannot cover the cost of a medication. Eligibility and enrollment processes vary from program to program.
State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
Some states offer financial assistance programs for medications, called State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs). Eligibility can vary from program to program and medication to medication. You can check for programs in your state by visiting the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Compare pharmacy prices
The cost of medications can vary between different pharmacies. It can be worth your time to compare prices between different pharmacies in your area, and check prices at online pharmacies. Some health insurance plans also have preferred, in-network pharmacies, which can affect pricing.
Check prices at mail-order pharmacies
Mail-order and online pharmacies can ship prescriptions directly to your home. Prices are sometimes lower than at retail locations, but costs vary by medication, insurance coverage, and pharmacy. Some operate exclusively online, while some major pharmacy chains offer both in-store and mail-order services.
Ask for a 90-day supply
Sometimes, a prescription can be filled as a 90-day supply (versus a 30-day supply). This may help reduce the cost in some cases. At the very least, it can save you a few trips to the pharmacy. Ask your healthcare provider if this is a possibility. You may also need to contact your insurance provider.
