Reglan Tardive Dyskinesia

by Steve Fields on January 7th, 2010

Reglan For Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder that allows hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and bile in the stomach to flow back into the esophagus. This backflow causes a burning sensation in the chest (known as “heartburn”). The disease is triggered as the result of two main factors. Both are due to flawed signals sent from the brain. Some patients who used the Reglan drug for extended periods of time have developed Reglan tardive dyskinesia, although many people have not been formally diagnosed or they have been misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s or other movement disorders.

The first factor is a weakened esophageal sphincter, a valve that controls the flow of material between the stomach and the esophagus. When this valve fails to close properly, the opening allows the stomach’s contents to wash back into the esophagus. The second factor is a lack of timely contractions within the stomach. These contractions are necessary to move the stomach’s contents into the intestines.

Reglan (the brand name of the generic drug metoclopramide) is prescribed to address both problems. Unfortunately, long-term use of metoclopramide products can lead to tardive dyskinesia and other severe side effects. We’ll explore this issue from the context of whether using Reglan to treat GERD is worth the risk.

How Reglan Drugs Resolve GERD

Your brain produces a chemical called dopamine. This chemical is responsible for transmitting signals throughout your body in order to control certain functions. For example, the surface of your stomach contains dopamine receptors; if they receive a faulty signal from your brain, your stomach will relax, which prevents contractions. As noted, the lack of contractions prevents the stomach’s contents from moving into the intestines.

Reglan functions as a dopamine inhibitor. It blocks the faulty signals that are sent from the brain and thereby, prevents the stomach muscles from relaxing. By doing so, the drug helps to trigger contractions in the upper GI tract while keeping the esophageal sphincter closed.

Short-Term Relief Versus Long-Term Risk

To be sure, metoclopramide drugs have proven effective for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease. There is little doubt that, as a dopamine inhibitor, it prevents the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. However, many people who are currently taking Reglan don’t fully understand the dangers of long-term or high-dosage use of the drug.

Studies have shown that patients who use metoclopramide products for periods exceeding three months are far more likely to develop tardive dyskinesia. This is an incurable disorder in which a victim is forced to cope with repetitive movements in their facial area and extremities.

It is clear that Reglan provides short-term relief from the discomfort and nausea characteristic of GERD. However, it is also clear there is significant risk inherent in the chronic use of metoclopramide. This is the reason the FDA recently issued a black box warning on the drug.

The FDA’s Reglan Black Box Warning

In February 2009, the FDA released a boxed warning on all metoclopramide products. The warning specifically highlights the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia as the result of long-term use of the drug. Sadly, many people do not realize the risk involved. There are over 2 million people in the U.S. taking these drugs, including Reglan tablets, Reglan injections, and oral solutions. Many of them are using metoclopramide products as a long-term treatment path.

The risk is substantial. If you are currently taking metoclopramide to treat GERD or any other condition, discuss alternatives with your doctor. If you are suffering from any neurological side effects such as tardive dyskinesia, it may be time to contact one of our Reglan attorneys.