Tardive Dyskinesia

Metoclopramide Reglan Tardive Dyskinsesia

Recent studies suggest that (metoclopramide) Reglan tardive dyskinesia side effects are directly related to patients who used metoclopramide for longer than three months. In one study that the FDA analyzed, around 20 percent of patients who used metoclopramide took it for longer than three months.

What is Tardive Dyskinesia?

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a drug-induced movement disorder caused by the long-term use of neuroleptic drugs. Tardive means “delayed” and dyskinesia means “abnormal movement.” This serious neurological syndrome is often irreversible and may become permanent. Since the 1950’s a family of drugs referred to as dopamine receptor blocking drugs (DRB) have been prescribed for certain mental health conditions and are now also commonly prescribed for the treatment of GERD and nausea. Metoclopramide / Reglan is a dopamine receptor blocking drug.

Tardive Dyskinesia Diagnosis

Tardive dyskinesia is diagnosed through a physical, neurological and psychiatric examination along with a complete drug history. What is referred to as a “differential diagnosis” is used for tardive dyskinesia. This includes tests which rule out other disorders which produce abnormal involuntary movements and may resemble tardive dyskinesia such as Parkinson’s, choreas, dystonias, akathisia, stereotypic movements, tics and tremors.

Symptoms

• Facial grimacing
• Repetitive chewing
• Jaw swinging
• Tongue thrusting

Are There Any Treatments?

There is no standard treatment for patients faced with a tardive dyskinesia diagnosis and treatment is highly individualized. Several different treatments are available to help reduce muscle spasms and pain:

• Medication – helps correct imbalances in neurotransmitters
• Botulinum toxin injections – stops muscle spasms by blocking release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) – a current is passed into the brain through electrodes. The electrical charge interrupts the brain’s faulty signals
• Speech / physical therapy

We represent all Reglan tardive dyskinesia clients 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 consultation please call toll free at 1-888-343-5375 or fill out our short online contact form and a metoclopramide side effects lawyer will contact you to answer any of your questions.