The Reglan drug, also known by the generic name ?metoclopramide?, was first approved by the FDA in 1980. It is currently available in several different forms in both the branded ?Reglan? and generic ?metoclopramide? products. Reglan is primarily prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD) and diabetic gastroparesis.

Recent studies suggest that (metoclopramide) effects of Reglan and tardive dyskinesia 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. Some patients are diagnosed with tardive dystonia which is a serious and disabling syndrome that is a subtype of tardive dyskinesia.

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.

Reglan and generic metoclopramide are now also commonly prescribed for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders like acid reflux and GERD along with treatment for nausea and therapy for nursing mothers to help increase milk production. More than two million Americans use these products including infants and children. Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements including movements of the fingers, arms, legs, rapid eye blinking and lip smacking.

Metoclopramide is available in a variety of branded and generic forms including:

?Reglan Tablets

?Reglan Oral Disintegrating Tablets

?Metoclopramide Oral Solution

?Reglan Injection

Reglan Tardive Dyskinesia Symptoms

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

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.