This post is for those who may use or want to ask about using Reglan (generic: metoclopramide) as an A/N (anti-nausea) medication.

It isn't used solely to treat Gastroparesis (the delay of stomach emptying) ..if the regular A/N meds don't work for you (compazine, phenergan, etc..) another option is Reglan.. though I must warn from experience: Reglan can have some nasty side effects.

As medicinenet.com says: Metoclopramide is a "prokinetic" agent that increases muscle tone of the lower esophagus sphincter. (snip) ..metoclopramide also hastens the stomach emptying of solid and liquid meals into the intestines. Rapid emptying of meals also help decrease the reflux of stomach acid and other contents into the esophagus.

Metoclopramide interferes with dopamine receptors in the brain. Since dopamine causes nausea. Metoclopramide can be an effective anti-nausea medication.

http://www.medicinenet.com/metoclopramide/article.htm



Early on I was amazed at the way it helped me, so quickly it solved the N&V I was experiencing. I've also heard similar stories from friends with cancer; Reglan helped them more than Zofran (a chemotherapy A/N drug) did.

But I found out about the side effects the hard way:

Reglan is not a drug that we are supposed to continuously use and rely on. It's meant for short periods of time -- or strictly PRN (as needed). The package warning says prolonged use could result with severe neurological side effects.

Last September I was in a Seattle hospital, the Gastroparesis was finally diagnosed and I was started on a regimen of Reglan. Was told to take it qid (4Xs a day) at a 10mg dosage.

I had been taking Reglan for almost 6 weeks on schedule -- when my nerves became so jerky/jittery that I woke myself up out of sleep.. crying in agony, restless, neuropathy climbing down my back into my legs.. not nice feelings at all, not to mention anxiety quickly took over because it's easy to get scared when I don't understand what is happening.

The continuation of Reglan adversely affected my nerves. Even when I used it as PRN injections I would prepare for a bit of leg jitters and other general uncomfortable feelings due to hypersensitive nerves.

The medicinenet article says:

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Metoclopramide can have nervous system side effects, such as depression, anxiety, sedation, restlessness, and insomnia. Parkinson patients can experience worsening of symptoms with metoclopramide. Metoclopramide may impair the mental and/or physical abilities to drive or operate machinery. Rarely, metoclopramide can cause involuntary muscle movements, facial grimacing, and dystonic reactions resembling tetanus. Since metoclopramide accelerates stomach emptying, it can increase absorption and effects of other medications. For example, the effects of sedatives such as alcohol and diazepam (Valium) can be accelerated when used together with metoclopramide. Safety in pregnancy, nursing mothers, and children has not been established.

SIDE EFFECTS: Metoclopramide is generally well tolerated when used in low doses for brief periods. The nervous system side effects increase with higher doses and longer periods of treatment. The common side effects are mentioned above under Drug Interactions.


Namaste and best wishes for good health with as little side effects as possible,
Willo
_________________________
Namaste'
Willo
midnightdawn@gmail.com
http://www.lymecommunity.com/