Dystonia Bulletin Board

- this should turn up any individual case reports of the drug causing dystonia

- remember the drug may have another name so you could try using this name too

2. google the name of the drug together with the phrase ‘adverse effects’.

- this will take you to sites like drugs.com

- look for the section detailing ‘side effects for healthcare professionals’

- look in the section ‘nervous system’

3. google the name of the drug together with the phrase ‘extrapyramidal symptoms’

this covers all the drug-induced movement disorders : tardive dystonia, tardive dyskinesia , akathisia and parkinsonism

Note: these disorders may be indicated by a range of different terms. For example the drug Sertraline/Zoloft (an SSRI antidepressant) lists:

Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders: twitching [myoclonus] , hyperkinesia [too much movement], dyskinesia, choreoathetosis [typical movements of tardive dyskinesia], hypokinesia [too little movement- parkinsonism]

Musculoskeletal System Disorders: dystonia, muscle cramps

Psychiatric Disorders: teeth-grinding [bruxism] , emotional lability [tearfulness], Anxiety, nervousness; new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, restlessness, or inability to sit still; severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping; suicidal thoughts or attempts; worsening of depression. [all of these items could be an indication of akathisia]