Hi all,
[My first post here].
Has anyone developed muscle stiffness in the weeks or months AFTER withdrawal from a first generation neuroleptic?
I was not effected whilst on haloperidol though I was taking a lot of procyclidine for tremor/involuntary movements.
I withdrew from, and ceased both drugs in tandem 3 weeks ago and have been effected for about one week.
[I want to sing but I am currently too stiff and tight. 
]
Thanks.
Out of curiosity, I asked Bing’s a.i. chat bot thing and it said:
Yes, it is possible to experience muscle stiffness even weeks or months after withdrawing from first-generation neuroleptic (antipsychotic) medications. These medications can cause various movement-related side effects, including muscle stiffness, both during use and after discontinuation¹².
Withdrawal from these medications can sometimes lead to a condition known as tardive dyskinesia, which involves involuntary muscle movements and can persist long after stopping the medication⁴. Additionally, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but serious condition, can also cause muscle stiffness and may occur during or after withdrawal⁵.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management. Have you been experiencing any other symptoms?
Source: Conversation with Copilot, 21/08/2024
(1) Antipsychotic withdrawal – an unrecognised and misdiagnosed problem. Antipsychotic withdrawal – an unrecognised and misdiagnosed problem.
(2) Antipsychotic withdrawal—an unrecognized and misdiagnosed problem. Antipsychotic withdrawal—an unrecognized and misdiagnosed problem.
(3) Antipsychotics for Schizophrenia: 1st and 2nd Generation - WebMD. Antipsychotics for Schizophrenia: 1st and 2nd Generation.
(4) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Symptoms & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Symptoms & Treatment.
(5) Antipsychotic Drugs - Antipsychotic Drugs - Merck Manual Consumer Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/mental-health-disorders/schizophrenia-and-related-disorders/antipsychotic-drugs.
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Wow. Thank you very much for all your trouble. [I’m not sure I have access to A.I.]
I have flu-like symptoms and [very] occasional trouble keeping food down. Also some low level voices/paranoia and am fairly irritable. Worst is probably the headache and feeling hot. My temperature is normal however and I am not confused with high b.p. or pulse. It has been a lot easier than olanzapine withdrawal [2014] thankfully.
I have been [and am] just worried my voice will stay stiff [being a musician] and I have the drive/desire to sing again after five years either in hospital or too doped up to function and not many years of functionality prior to that either.
I am hoping someone who has experienced similar can reassure me that for them things eventually settled.
Thanks again. You are very kind. 
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[Apologies. I misunderstood the terminology. This was not my first post at Schizophrenia dot com. It was my first new topic. ]
Did you come off your meds under the guidance of a doctor?
If not, you’ve really got to speak to a psychiatrist.
You have to tell them why you decided to come off your meds (side effects/whatever) and work to get put on meds that are more suitable.
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Welcome to the forum by the way 
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I came off haloperidol [and also aripiprazole about six months ago] with the consent/help of a psychiatrist. At the consultation she said I was at ‘medium risk’. Risk of what I don’t know but she did factor in social support which was much better then than it is now. I have never done well on drugs and last time I was drug free I lasted five years before I was hospitalised and I had feelings and drive, creativity and purpose and… well something resembling a life. I know there is risk involved and I might be stuck with voices but I hope the paranoia will settle and I can once again feel life is worthwhile and be [to some extent] productive. I have been pretty much bed bound on the drugs. My friend who is a psychiatrist [though not mine] believes the schitzophrenia/bipolar diagnoses I have, to be misdiagnoses and that I experience [episodic] stress-induced psychosis on account of my autism/living situation. Psychosis nearly killed me but in my case I think [HOPE!] going drug free is more than worth the gamble. Plus I have cirrhosis and am unlikely [I guess?] to have a particularly long life. I want to make some recordings which will take lots more energy and practice than I can extend/do at the moment or if I stayed on the drugs. I feel my life has been largely a waste and want to achieve some kind of small legacy before I drop. Sorry if I am over explaining/going off topic. The neurologist said I had ‘highly tangential thinking’ which perhaps has been mistaken for ‘thought disorder’ at times. I’m probably not showing that here. Just a tendency towards verbosity.
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Thank you very much.
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I’m on haldol and do have some Parkinsonism due to it. Most of it is tremors, but my muscles can be very stiff at times, though, that’s a bit more rare. My brain fog also contributes to the Parkinson’s like effects. I wish the best for you after reading your posts, and hope you can stay off medication for good. I know that’s every schizophrenic’s dream.
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I have Parkinson from Geodon but off it is even worse.
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Thank you. Best wishes to you too.
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Sorry to hear that.