Dystonia is a rare neurological movement disorder in which your muscles contract involuntarily, which can force certain parts of your body into abnormal, sometimes painful, movements or postures.
It can be primary, possibly involving a genetic predisposition to the condition, or secondary, meaning it can be caused by brain injuries, toxins, and some medications.
Antipsychotic medication, often prescribed in the treatment of bipolar disorder, is one class of drugs that can cause dystonia, which is one of several extrapyramidal side effects. Generally it is the first-generation antipsychotics, known as typical antipsychotics, that can cause these side effects.
There are a few options for treating the symptoms of the disorder. Antipsychotic-induced dystonia is often treated with anticholinergic drugs like Cogentin or Benadryl, and this often requires a change in the antipsychotic you are taking.
Other treatment options include Botox, benzodiazepines, and physical therapy.
