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What Causes Persistent Metallic Taste In Mouth And Facial Twitching?
Dear Dr I have a persistent metallic taste in my mouth and have been having facial twitching which is usually around the eyes but can extend to the lips and tongue. I also feel dizzy and light headed most of the time). As I have been going through the menopause for several years now (without any respite for symptoms & I am a very fit 54 year old), I sought the advice of a GP who recommended antidepressants (I mentioned to her I had tried everything else to get through the mood alterations associated with the menopause). She was most helpful. But I only took them for 3 weeks as they induce such fatigue that I was sleeping all the time. When she did a fasting blood test, my iron levels were high, but not too much to worry about. I have been off the medication for approx 2 months, but still feel awful and am far from my usual happy, energetic self. Possibly I need to investigate this elevated iron more? or maybe it is all part & parcel of this nightmare called menopause. Much appreciate your time here Kind regards,
Fri, 26 Feb 2021
Hi,
Metallic taste in mouth can be due to low level of estrogen in post-menopausal women, of course a very rare side effect. Facial twitching or involuntary, stiff and jerky movements in face usually called Tardive dyskinesia are seen in lips, jaw or tongue. Fast involuntary blinking of eyes may be seen. Sometimes these uncontrollable movements are seen in limbs also.
Usually the cause of Tardive dyskinesia is drugs being used for psychiatric disorders like depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. These may be seen after a long term use of medicines used to control nausea and vomiting also. Incidence of Tardive dyskinesia are definitely more in postmenopausal women usually above 55 of age. In my opinion, your symptoms are overlapping and confusing, hence, you are advised to see an endocrinologist as well as a psychiatrist.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician
Metallic taste in mouth can be due to low level of estrogen in post-menopausal women, of course a very rare side effect. Facial twitching or involuntary, stiff and jerky movements in face usually called Tardive dyskinesia are seen in lips, jaw or tongue. Fast involuntary blinking of eyes may be seen. Sometimes these uncontrollable movements are seen in limbs also.
Usually the cause of Tardive dyskinesia is drugs being used for psychiatric disorders like depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. These may be seen after a long term use of medicines used to control nausea and vomiting also. Incidence of Tardive dyskinesia are definitely more in postmenopausal women usually above 55 of age. In my opinion, your symptoms are overlapping and confusing, hence, you are advised to see an endocrinologist as well as a psychiatrist.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician
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