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The FDA Has Linked Reglan and Tardive Dyskinesia

Women At Greater Risk For Reglan TD

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that there is a direct correlation between Reglan and Tardive Dyskinesia. In 2009, the government agency issued warnings to consumers regarding the popular reflux disease medication as possibly causing the involuntary movement disorder. As a result, doctors were cautioned to only prescribe the medication when the benefits of use outweighed the considerable risks. The correlation between Reglan and Tardive Dyskinesia occurs in a variety of versions of the drug, including as oral solutions, injections, tablets, and dissolving tablets. The warning strengthened metoclopramide, the generic name of the drug, concerns in the medical community.

In the case of patients who have taken the drug and the disease has manifested, the side effects can often be confused with Parkinson’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, Akathisia, Dystonia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and blepharospasm. A positive diagnosis is often hard to come by. Patients with a history of a movement disorder were discouraged to use drugs containing metoclopramide. However, there are a few effects that often point to illness, many in the form of involuntary movements. These include: 

• Repetitive, involuntary movements of the arms and legs
• Lip smacking and other mouth and lip movements
• Rapid blinking
• Diminished movement of the fingers

In general, women appear to be at a higher risk for exhibiting the disease. Also, there are additional risks in individuals with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or cirrhosis. It has also been noted that additional drugs strengthened metoclopramide risks, including  acetaminophen, alcoholic beverages, antispasmodic drugs, cimetidine, cyclosporine, digoxin, insulin, MAO inhibitor antidepressants, levodopa, narcotic painkillers, sleeping pills, tetracycline, and tranquilizers.

It has specifically been known to occur in conjunction with a variety of other antipsychotic drugs and neuroleptics, including: Thorazine (Chlorpromazine), Clozaril (Clozapine), Haldol (Haloperidol), Seroquel (Quetiapine), Loxitane / Loxapac (Loxapine), Mellaril (Thioridazine), Navane (Thiothixine), Prolixin / Modecate (Fluphenazine), Piportil (Pipotiazine), Trilafon (Perphenazine), Orap (Pimozide), Stelazine (Trifluoperazine), Risperdal (Risperidone), Serentil (Mesoridazine), and Zyprexa (Olanzapine). There are also related non-neuroleptics, including Prozac (Fluoxetine), Zoloft (Sertraline), Nardil (Phenelzine), Elavil (Amitriptyline), Asendin (Amoxapine), Sinequan (Doxepine), and Tofranil (Imipramine).

Severe associated adverse effects are skin irritation, confusion, abnormal thinking, unusual weight gain, sudden and increased sweating, shortness of breath, hallucinations, loss of bladder control, decreased sexual ability changes in heart beat or heart rhythms, seizures, mental and mood changes including increased depression or anxiety, and suicidal thoughts or actions.

The only known treatment for victims is a complete cessation of metoclopramide drugs. There is no known cure for the disease, though some therapies have shown some success including Pimozide, clonidine, and haloperidol. However, in many men and women, in spite of treatment, the effects of the disorder linger. For these unfortunate individuals, even normal tasks become nearly impossible, and all day-to-day activity must be entirely re-thought. In some cases, symptoms of the disease are severe enough to require full-time care.

In the wake of the risks inherent in using the drug, lawsuits have ensued. If you or a loved one have developed this disease, it may be prudent to seek the help of a seasoned Tardive Dyskinesia lawyer in your area. Working with a Dyskinesia lawyer can give you access to current, past, and pending lawsuits and other Reglan information you may not have been aware of. If your case is determined to be valid, you may be eligible for compensation. 

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Bagolie Friedman Injury Lawyers
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