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According to The Bipolar Child, a dystonic reaction involves involuntary muscle contractions that cause uncontrolled movements of the face, neck, tongue and back and an uncontrolled rolling of the eyes.  Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary facial grimacing, lip-smacking, chewing and sucking movements, cheek puffing and wormlike movements of the tongue and fingers and toes.


When my son, who has tic disorder, was on Risperdal, we first thought his tics were acting up because he was experiencing uncontrollable lip licking, mouth opening and tongue thrusting.  When we upped the Risperdal, the movements became worse, and it was at that point that we knew he was having a reaction to Risperdal because Risperdal (like Abilify) treats tics.  When we discontinued Risperdal, my son's movements stopped within a few days.  


Even though your husband has Tourette's Syndrome, I would not automatically assume difficult child is experiencing tics.  I would recommend finding a neurologist tomorrow and have difficult child seen ASAP.  If you can't get in to see a neurologist soon or your psychiatrist won't listen to you, I'd recommend a visit to the ER.  You shouldn't mess around with APs because they can have serious side effects.


Good luck.


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