Metoclopramide (Reglan) Side Effects, Tardive Dyskinesia
Metoclopramide (Reglan) is a drug used to treat intestinal disorders, including diabetic gastroparesis. Metoclopramide is what is known as a “prokinetic” drug that works by stimulating stomach and intestinal muscles reduce the time the stomach takes to empty into the intestines.
Common metoclopramide side effects include drowsiness, restlessness, fatigue and insomnia, and depression. An even more severe side effect is the development of acute movement disorders, sometimes referred to as extrapyramidal syndromes (see “Tardive Dyskinesia, Reglan Side Effect” below).
Though recommended treatment is for fewer than three months, more than two million Americans use Reglan products. FDA study data shows that nearly 20 percent of patients take metoclopramide medications for longer than three months. If you or someone you love is experiencing long lasting and sever side effects, contact our Nashville Defective Drug Lawyers today.
Tardive Dyskinesia, Reglan Side Effect
Tardive dyskinesia is a medical term for involuntary movements (dyskinesia), often repetitive, that are brought on by, and often last beyond the taking of, a drug (tardive). Tardive dyskinesia often mimics the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including spasming, awkward postures, grimacing, and other involuntary muscle movements.
Prevalent in tardive dyskinesia brought on as a Reglan side effect is the involuntary puckering/pursing of lips and sticking out of the tongue.
While tardive dyskinesias are not uncommon in schizophrenic and bipolar patients taking antipsychotic medication for extended periods, FDA officials have recently identified metoclopramide (Reglan) as the most common cause of drug-induced movement disorders.
There is no known treatment or cure for Reglan-caused tardive dyskinesia. Antiparkinsonism agents have no reported effect. In some cases, the condition may be lessened or disappear after metoclopramide (Reglan) treatment is discontinued.
Reglan-Caused Tardive Dyskinesia, Increased Risk Factors
Medical studies report that the development of tardive dyskinesia has a direct relation to duration and dose of metoclopramide (Reglan) taken. Stated simply, the more Reglan a patient is given, and the longer he or she is given it, the greater the likelihood that the patient will develop tardive dyskinesia.
Studies also report incidences of tardive dyskinesia are higher in females and the elderly, with elderly women having an elevated likelihood of developing the disorder. Additionally, nicotine users, especially cigarette smokers, and African-Americans appear especially vulnerable, even at low doses and short durations.
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Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
