From the FDA Drug Label
The syndrome is characterized by rhythmical involuntary movements of tongue, face, mouth or jaw (e. g., protrusion of tongue, puffing of cheeks, puckering of mouth, chewing movements). Tardive dyskinesia, a syndrome consisting of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic movements, may appear in some patients on long-term therapy or may occur after drug therapy has been discontinued. Dystonic symptoms include: spasm of the neck muscles, sometimes progressing to tightness of the throat, swallowing difficulty, difficulty breathing, and/or protrusion of the tongue
Involuntary jaw movements can be caused by:
- Tardive dyskinesia: a syndrome associated with long-term therapy or after drug therapy has been discontinued, characterized by rhythmical involuntary movements of the jaw.
- Dystonia: a condition that can occur during the first few days of treatment, characterized by prolonged abnormal contractions of muscle groups, including the jaw. 1
From the Research
Involuntary jaw movements can be caused by various conditions, including neurological disorders, medication-induced effects, and trauma, with the most recent study suggesting that rhythmic jaw movements can be a symptom of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 2.
Causes of Involuntary Jaw Movements
- Neurological disorders such as dystonia, Parkinson's disease, and seizure disorders
- Medication-induced effects from antipsychotics, SSRIs, stimulants, and recreational drugs 3
- Trauma, including dental procedures, which can precipitate the onset of oromandibular dystonia 4
- Bruxism (teeth grinding), which can occur during sleep and may be stress-related
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affecting the jaw joint
- Stress and anxiety, which can trigger jaw movements through increased muscle tension
Importance of Medical Evaluation
If experiencing involuntary jaw movements, it's essential to seek medical evaluation promptly, as early intervention can prevent progression, especially with medication-induced causes where dosage adjustments or alternative treatments may be necessary 3, 2.
Treatment Options
Treatment options may include botulinum toxin injections, which have been shown to be effective in reducing involuntary muscle activity in patients with oromandibular dystonia 5, 4, as well as motor-suppressive medications such as cholinergic receptor antagonizers or blockers, and GABA-ergic including benzodiazepines 3.