From the Research
Magnesium is not a recommended first-line treatment for drug-induced acute dyskinesia, and its effectiveness in this context is limited and not well-established. When acute dyskinesia occurs, typically from antipsychotics or antiemetics, anticholinergic medications like benztropine (1-2 mg IV/IM) or diphenhydramine (25-50 mg IV/IM) are the standard treatments.
- The pathophysiology of drug-induced dyskinesia is complex and involves dysfunction of the dopaminergic, serotonergic, and GABAergic systems, as discussed in the study by 1.
- Magnesium sulfate has been used in some cases, particularly for tardive dyskinesia, at doses of 1-2 g IV over 30 minutes, but evidence for its effectiveness in acute dyskinesia specifically is limited, as noted in the studies by 2, 3, 4.
- The theoretical basis for magnesium's potential benefit relates to its calcium channel blocking properties and NMDA receptor antagonism, which may help regulate abnormal muscle movements.
- However, the most recent and highest quality study, 4, found that valbenazine, a reversible inhibitor of Vesicular Monoamine Transporter Type 2 (VMAT2), is a more effective treatment for tardive dyskinesia, with a number needed to treat (NNT) of 4 (95% CI 3-6).
- Patients experiencing acute dyskinesia should seek immediate medical attention rather than attempting magnesium supplementation on their own, as proper diagnosis and treatment with established medications is important for quick symptom relief, as discussed in the study by 5.