Tardive Dyskinesia Sufferers Become Prisoners In Their Homes
Tardive dyskinesia may not be a condition with which you are familiar. But those who suffer from it are reminded daily that they have lost control of some voluntary functions. Imagine spending your waking hours with uncontrolled grimacing of the face, rapid eye movements or blinking, jaw moving back and forth, a repetitive chewing with no food in your mouth and your tongue thrusting in and out. It can even involve other parts of the body, with jerking movements of the arms, legs, and torso. Obviously, this involuntary behavior would keep most of us from going out into public, a prisoner in our own homes.
What makes this permanent condition even more sad, is that it is avoidable. It is a side effect of taking medications called neuroleptics. Neuroleptics are anti-psychotic medications, originally used in the treatment of mental illness, primarily schizophrenia. They have been prescribed since the 1950's and it soon became obvious that 20-30% of those taking the drug developed tardive dyskinesia.
However, it was seen as an acceptable trade-off considering the serious nature of the patient's mental condition. Reglan, also called metoclopramide, is one of the drugs in this family. It is commonly prescribed to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), persistent heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of stomach fullness.
In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about the long-term or high-dose use of Reglan because of reports concerning patients who developed tardive dyskinesia. The drug was never meant to be prescribed in high dosages or for long term use, according to the original FDA-approval.
That brings us to the most vulnerable population who are being victimized by this drug, our senior citizens. The elderly, who often find themselves being cared for in nursing homes, are often given a long list of medications to control their health problems. Depending on the quality of care, how often are these medications reviewed, adjusted, and discontinued when necessary? Sadly, in too many cases, not often enough. In the case of Reglan, again, meant for short term use with a minimum effective dosage level, this is the condition that can contribute to tardive dyskinesia.
If you, or a loved one, suffer from the above mentioned symptoms, please contact the doctor who prescribed Reglan. Sometimes, discontinuing the drug can minimize the permanent nature of the side effects. There also is hope for compensation through a class action lawsuit, to help with the medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering experienced by long term use of this drug. Contact a Reglan lawyer who can supply you with a simple form, free of charge, that you can fill out to have your case reviewed.
