Symptoms of an acute dystonic reaction include:

  • strange movements of the face and/or mouth
  • tongue protrusion
  • head tilts back
  • forced opening of the mouth
  • problems with eating and swallowing
  • eyes turned upward or to the side
  • hyper-extension of the spine

Symptoms of tardive dystonia include:

  • strange movements of the face and/or mouth
  • involuntary eye closure
  • voice problems
  • head tilts back
  • involuntary twisting or movement of the neck
  • contortion of the trunk
  • internal rotation of arms, elbow extension, wrist flexing
  • akathisia (feelings of inner restlessness)

Symptoms of focal dystonia can occur days or years after exposure to the medication.

Stress and anxiety are known to exacerbate the symptoms.