From the Research
Symbicort, a medication containing budesonide and formoterol, is not typically associated with causing tics, and there is no strong evidence to suggest a link between Symbicort and the development of tics 1. The most common side effects of Symbicort include throat irritation, hoarseness, oral thrush, headache, and upper respiratory tract infections.
- The beta-agonist component in Symbicort can sometimes cause tremors or shakiness, which might be confused with tics, but these are different neurological phenomena.
- If you're experiencing tic-like symptoms while using Symbicort, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider as these symptoms may be unrelated to the medication and could indicate another underlying condition.
- Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms, possibly adjust your medication regimen, and determine if further neurological assessment is needed.
- Never stop taking prescribed medications without medical guidance, as abrupt discontinuation of respiratory medications can lead to worsening of the underlying condition. The provided evidence does not support a direct link between Symbicort and tics, with the most recent and highest quality study focusing on the efficacy and safety of budesonide-formoterol for maintenance and reliever therapy in patients with poorly controlled asthma 1.
- This study found that switching to the Symbicort maintenance and reliever therapy regimen was associated with a prolonged time to first severe asthma exacerbation compared with other treatment approaches.
- However, it did not investigate the specific outcome of tics, and thus, the primary concern remains the management of asthma symptoms and the prevention of exacerbations.
- In the context of tic disorders, other medications such as alpha agonists, antipsychotics, and topiramate have been studied for their efficacy in reducing tic symptoms 2, but Symbicort is not indicated for this purpose.