Reglan or metoclopramide is used as a short-term treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Metoclopramide belongs to a class of drugs known as dopamine receptor blockers and it works by increasing the rate of movement in the stomach and intestines during digestion. The usual dose is 10-15 milligrams up to four times daily for 2 to 8 weeks. Treatment usually lasts no longer than 12 weeks. Generic Name: Metoclopramide Brand Name: Reglan Common side effects of Reglan treatment include: diarrhea difficulty sleeping dizziness drowsiness fatigue headache nausea restlessness tiredness Severe side effects of Reglan treatment include: allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; tightness in chest; swelling of the lips, tongue or face) abnormal thinking, confusion, or suicidal thoughts fever or hallucinations involuntary muscle movements, decreased coordination, twitching or tremors irregular heartbeat mental or mood changes such as depression, anxiety, agitation, seizures severe or persistent dizziness, headaches, or trouble sleeping severe or persistent restlessness shortness of breath swelling of the arms, legs, or feet yellowing of the skin or eyes Chronic, extended and/or high dose use of Reglan (metoclopramide) has been linked to serious drug induced movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological syndrome typically characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements of the face, tongue, lips, mouth, or jaw, and sometimes by involuntary or impaired movements of the arms, legs, fingers and trunk. The symptoms of tardive dyskinesia may continue long after Reglan treatment has stopped and there is no known treatment. In some patients, symptoms may lessen or disappear after discontinuation of Reglan. The majority of patients who have developed tardive dyskinesia have been treated with Reglan for more than three months. The elderly and women are more prone to developing tardive dyskinesia. Not only can the physical side effects of Reglan be physically debilitating, but they can often result in emotional problems such as embarrassment, shame, anxiety and depression, which in turn leads to social withdrawal, relationship or professional problems. The side effects from long-term and/or high-dose use of Reglan can directly impact an individuals quality of life. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in February 2009 that manufacturers of metoclopramide are required to add a black box warning to their packaging about the risk of tardive dyskinesia associated with its extended and/or high-dose use. In addition to the black box warning, the FDA is requiring manufacturers to implement a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy. However, despite the FDAs public warnings and labeling requirements regarding the extended and/or high-dose use of Reglan, it is too late for some. Individuals are suffering with the devastating physical and emotional consequences of tardive dyskinesia.
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Reglan or metoclopramide is used as a short-term treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Metoclopramide belongs to a class of drugs known as dopamine receptor blockers and it works by increasing the rate of movement in the stomach and intestines during digestion. The usual dose is 10-15 milligrams up to four times daily for 2 to 8 weeks. Treatment usually lasts no longer than 12 weeks.
Robert Whitney is author of this article on Reglan lawsuits. Find more information about Reglan tardive dyskinesia here.
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