Primary prevention of tardive dyskinesia is achieved by using the lowest effective dose of a neuroleptic for the shortest time. If tardive dyskinesia is diagnosed, the causative drug should be reduced or discontinued if possible. Tardive dyskinesia may persist after withdrawal of the drug for months, years, or even permanently.

The dopamine-depleting drug tetrabenazine has been used to treat tardive dyskinesia and other movement disorders. Zofran has shown some benefit in experimental studies on tardive dsykinesia and a variety of anti-Parkinsonian medications are used such as Aricept, Baclofen, Requip and Mirapex. Clonidine is used for dystonic spasms and can be of help. Botox injections are used for minor focal dystonia though not of use on for more advanced tardive dyskinesia.

Natural remedies are unproven since they are seldom tested in a controlled setting such as a drug trial. Preliminary research indicates that alternating rest, and regular exercise also negate the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia,[citation needed] necessary for all mental health outpatients who maintain anti-psychotic neuroleptic drug regimes, for on-going 'wellness'. Switching to a newer drug with fewer side effects might be an option for a patient in a controlled or monitored environment.

A review paper found benzodiazepines to be ineffective in alleviating the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia. Examples of benzodiazepine drugs include lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), or clonazepam (Klonopin).[6] The findings about the effects of natural substances, such as vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol), rhodiola, omega 3 fatty acids or melatonin, are inconclusive.