Reglan Tardive Dyskinesia

by Steve Fields on October 8th, 2009

The serious side effects of Metoclopramide have affected people for many years who used these medications primarily in the treatment of acid reflux, but also for help in treating other conditions. Reglan tardive dyskinesia is the most serious problem patients have developed after long-term use (over three months).

How Reglan Works In Treating GERD

When most people refer to heartburn, they’re usually referring to a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (commonly called GERD). In fact, “heartburn” has very little to do with the heart. The disorder triggers a burning sensation within the esophagus which can range from mild to intense. Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from it. As a result, drug manufacturers have developed a number of medications that offer to treat the condition.

For years, doctors have prescribed Reglan, the branded version of metoclopramide, to treat GERD. While the drug has a positive effect on the symptoms, it can also lead to devastating side effects. There is a limited period of time to file a Reglan lawsuit and if your claim is not filed before the statute of limiations you can be prevented from a claim.

What Causes GERD?

Food and liquid travel through the esophagus before landing in the stomach. A valve called the lower esophageal sphincter serves as a passageway between the esophagus and the stomach. When it opens, items travel downward. When it closes, the valve prevents the contents of the stomach from entering the esophagus.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease manifests when the lower esophageal sphincter fails to perform its job. If the valve cannot properly seal off the passageway, food and stomach acid will flow upward into the esophagus. Though the esophagus has protective lining, it is not able to withstand prolonged exposure to stomach acid. A burning sensation results as the lining sustains damage.

Why Reglan Is Used To Treat GERD

Reglan is known as a dopamine receptor antagonist. Normally, the brain sends signals to the upper gastrointestinal tract in order to relax the muscles. Reglan blocks these signals and prevents the relaxation of these muscles. In doing so, the drug can accelerate the pace of muscular contractions within the upper gastrointestinal tract. This causes the food held in the stomach to empty more quickly into the intestines. The faster this emptying process occurs, the less likelihood there is of a reflux of stomach acid back into the esophagus.

Metoclopramide products, while effective in triggering this emptying process, are only a short-term treatment path. The problem is that many patients continue using Reglan for several months. Doing so dramatically increases their chances of developing dreadful side effects.

Potential Reglan Side Effects

Tardive dyskinesia is a debilitating condition that can result from chronic use of all metoclopramide products, including Reglan. It is typically characterized by uncontrollable, repetitive movements in the facial area. Rapid blinking, constant lateral jaw motion, and tongue protrusions are a few of the many side effects. In severe cases, a victim’s tongue might twist and protrude dozens of times each minute. Other Reglan side effects include depression and mood swings, muscular rigidity, difficulty breathing, anxiety, and insomnia.

A growing number of studies suggest that these side effects, including tardive dyskinesia, are far more likely to occur after using metoclopramide products for periods longer than three months.

We represent all clients suffering side effects from Reglan tardive dyskinesia side effects on a contingency basis which means that there are never any legal fees unless we win compensation in your case. For a free no-obligation case review please call toll free at 1-888-343-5375 or fill out our online contact form and a Reglan lawsuit attorney will contact you to answer any of your questions.