If you’ve ever stuffed yourself to where you feel like your stomach might burst, or had a few strong drinks at a BBQ, the chances are pretty good that you suffered a little heartburn as a result. Most of us will use an over-the-counter antacid to make the feeling go away, but not everyone is that lucky. People with serious acid reflux may be prescribed medications like Reglan to make the symptoms go away. Unfortunately, Reglan can lead to a condition called tardive dyskinesia – and the effects of that condition can be far worse and last for far longer than the original heartburn.
Reglan, also known as metoclopramide, is a medication prescribed “to relieve heartburn and speed the healing of ulcers and sores in the esophagus (tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) in people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus).” It is generally prescribed to patients who have tried other treatments without success. Some patients have been prescribed the drug for “off-label” uses (like controlling morning sickness, for example).
The medication works by blocking a certain dopamine receptor (D2, to be exact), just like anti-psychotic medications do. Because of that, the dopamine remains in your synapses – and some believe that might offer a clue to why people develop tardive dyskinesia.
Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder that affects the muscles.
The symptoms normally include:
