Tics
 

I have been taking antipsychotics for 3 and a half years now and I've developed this tic in my muscles. I keep having to contract various muscles and if I don't it feels extremely uncomfortable. I have known a couple of other patients who have been on antipsychotics to have this.

Is this a normal side-effect of using antipsychotics for a while?

I've been on anti-psychotics for just over a year now and have the same problem.
I'm not sure if it is a normal side effect or not. Sorry.
It would be quite interesting to find out though if anyone knows.

My Mum thinks its a side-effect. Tics are annoying.

Yeah, it is a sideeffect that canbe caused by longer term use. I have a tic...but its to do with stress etc..not because of drugs so fortunately I have some control in the sense if I'm not really stressed or anxious it isn't there. some of my closest friends don't even notice....but yours is most likely caused by the meds don't know if you will ever really get rid of it or not even off the meds.....ask you psych/doc about it.

I'll ask her about it, thanks.
Mine comes and goes too but when I'm walking in the park or sitting down, its much worse.

yes it is a known side effect, and can continue on after you stop taking the drugs (i'm not sure how long for).

its sometimes not mentioned in medication literature as that is based on clinical trials, which normally don't go beyond 18 months so arn't that helpful an indicator for long-term effects.

Thanks for the replies. Is there a medical name for it or are they just called tics?