Reglan
Reglan (metoclopramide) is primarily prescribed to treat heartburn in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is also given to premature babies to stimulate digestion and people with diabetes to treat gastroparesis. Reglan has several common off-label uses. Tardive Dyskinesia, a movement disorder, has been linked to Reglan use.
Tardive Dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder that occurs when the body cannot use dopamine properly. Reglan works by interacting with dopamine receptors. Now some users of Reglan are developing tardive dyskinesia and tardive dystonia.
Tardive dyskinesia causes involuntary movements of the face and sometimes the arms and legs. Common involuntary movements include:
- Lip smacking
- Lip puckering
- Protruding tongue
- Grimacing
- Blinking or bulging eyes
- Head jerks
- Arm and leg flailing
Reglan Uses
Reglan is used to treat heartburn in GERD and gastroparesis in diabetics by stimulating the muscles in the digestive system. It is used to stimulate the underdeveloped and underactive digestive systems of premature babies.
Because it is a dopamine antagonist it is sometimes prescribed for migraine headaches. Reglan has also been prescribed to treat symptoms associated with dopamine receptor activation including nausea, vomiting, persistent hiccupping, yawning, and irritability.
Many of these uses are off-label meaning that the drug has not been approved for nor can it be marketed for these purposes. Doctors may choose to prescribe off-label in situations where they feel it will be helpful.
Other Side Effects of Reglan
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is another potential side effect of Reglan. It is a rare condition, but can be fatal. NMS causes the body to dangerously overheat, along with other symptoms. Reglan may also cause symptoms mimicking Parkinson’s disease and can worsen symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease. You should stop taking Reglan and contact your doctor right way if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Tremors
- Rigid muscles
- Seizures
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Fever
- Sweating
- Swelling
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
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