The Reality of Reglan Tardive Dyskinesia: Not a Pretty Sight

Washington, DCThe most heartbreaking of Reglan side effects can be hard to watch: Reglan tardive dyskinesia, or involuntary movement. And yet a recent edition of 'FDA Patient Safety News,' a regular video update produced under the auspices of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shows in grimacing detail the personified link between Reglan and tardive dyskinesia.

There are two examples shown: one is a woman, white-haired and appearing in her twilight years, involuntarily moving her mouth.

The other example is a man, appearing to be in his 50s or early 60s. He has both involuntary movement of the mouth, and his fingers. In the background of the FDA-sanctioned video, the narrator is describing what the viewer is seeing:

"Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the extremities, as well as grimacing, rapid blinking and impaired movement of the fingers. The risk of tardive dyskinesia associated with metoclopramide is increased among long-term users of the drug, and also among elderly patients, especially women.

"There is no known treatment, and the symptoms, which are rarely reversible, may persist even after the metoclopramide is discontinued. However, in some patients, the symptoms may lessen or resolve when the drug is stopped."

On it's May 4, 2009 edition of FDA Patient Safety News the FDA highlights the February, 2009 addition of a black box warning for Reglan (metoclopramide) and advises doctors to "avoid the chronic use of metoclopramide except in rare cases where they believe the benefit outweighs the risk."

Reglan stimulates motility in the upper GI tract and its uses include diabetic gastroparesis and gastroesophageal reflux disease. For that purpose, it's effective. However the Reglan side effects, including tardive dyskinesia, can be debilitating—especially for someone employed in retail or in any task that involves regular interaction with the public.

Imagine an employer whose representative is driven to lip smacking, involuntary facial gestures, repetitive chewing, tongue protrusion, difficulty breathing, swallowing, walking or talking.

Even more so is the risk for injury, or even death if things such as involuntary eye movement and that of fingers and other limbs affect the operation of dangerous machinery.

Such are the risks and the tragedy associated with Reglan side effects and Reglan tardive dyskinesia. The combination of Reglan and tardive dyskinesia can produce, for some a career-killing, life-altering event.