question-icon

What Causes Involuntory Movements In Lip And Face After Having Serta?

default
Posted on Wed, 18 Jun 2014
Question: Hi, I was prescribed serta 50 mg. I took it for 5 days once a day and then I stopped it because I had involuntory movement on my left lips and face. Now I feel that my jaw is tilted and my neck wants to tilt towards my right. So it feels that the face is tilted. I am also having difficulty in saying some words (I am lisping on some words) because the toungue seems to be touching a different part of my face than normal. Will my speech issues go and will this jaw tilt recover? I also had dry mouth and excess thirst while I was on the medication. I also felt dizzy when I would wake up.
Please tell me if the jaw tilt and the speech issues will be restored and what should I do to get that to a normal state? Please help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (44 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You need immediate emeregency care

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.

I think, you got sertraline induced dystonia. Though, chances of getting dystonia with antidepressant including sertraline are very less (1 in 1000), but in some cases, it happen. In your case, you need immediate dose of promethazine. Better to go to nearby emergency and you would get immediate relief.

In case, you need further help, you can ask.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (12 minutes later)
I have stopped serta for 20 days now. That symptom has not repeated but as I said the tongue is touching different part of the mouth. Will it restore on its own?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Take central anticholinergic drug

Detailed Answer:
HI

It is due to dystonia. Sometime, it takes time to get recovered completely. You can take trihexiphenidyl or other central anticholinergic drugs daily for few days. With time, it would improve. There is nothing to worry about it. It will get cured with drug, otherwise it would take more time. Better to consult a psychiatrist about treatment plan.

In case, you have more query, you can ask.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (6 minutes later)
What if I don't take any medication? Will my speech issue be resolved? Also will the jaw position come back? You said it will take time doctor. How much time will it take to recover without medication as I am scared to take any more medication.

Also is there any excersise which I should do to improve this? My neck also as I said feels like leaning on my right side. What can I do without medication doctor? Please suggest.

Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It would take months without drugs

Detailed Answer:
HI

Without medication, it could take months. How many months, it is difficult to tell. You should take medication. There is nothing harm in taking these drugs. With medications, all these side effects would be improved. Your speech and neck would become normal.

There are few exercise like relaxation exercise that can be adopted to help manage symptoms. Symptoms can be mitigated through focusing on another activity such as talking or playing a musical instrument, but these techniques could be the temporary solution. Best treatment is with medications.

In case, you need further help, you can ask.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (3 hours later)
Thanks for the suggestions doctor. I know I am repeating but I am not keen to take any further medication. In that case what are the chances of complete recovery from dystonia which includes the speech issues and neck issues? Should I do any physiotherapy? Also can you elaborate on the relaxation exercises you are suggesting.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You can try physiotherapy or relaxation exercise

Detailed Answer:
Hi

If you do not want to take medication, you can. If you want to try physiotherapy, you can discuss it with a physiotherapy. Physiotherapy uses specific exercises to help you maintain a full range of motion, improve your posture and prevent the shortening or weakening of affected muscles. However, there's not much in the way of good quality evidence to show physiotherapy is effective for dystonia.

In relaxation exercise like JPMR or deep breathing exercise that would help to keep you calm or relax. That would help to decrease psychological anxiety due to dystonia.

Rest, you can discuss with your psychologist or physiotherapist.

In case, you need further help, you can ask.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2496 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Involuntory Movements In Lip And Face After Having Serta?

Brief Answer: You need immediate emeregency care Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query. I think, you got sertraline induced dystonia. Though, chances of getting dystonia with antidepressant including sertraline are very less (1 in 1000), but in some cases, it happen. In your case, you need immediate dose of promethazine. Better to go to nearby emergency and you would get immediate relief. In case, you need further help, you can ask. Regards Dr. Abhishek Kapoor Psychiatrist