Tardive Dyskinesia Patients Can Be Prisoners In Their Own Houses
Tardive dyskinesia is not a particularly well known condition. 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. Obviously, this involuntary behavior would keep most of us from going out into public, a prisoner in our own homes.
Are you aware that Reglan has consistently been over-prescribed and that as a result quite a few people suffer from reglan side effects. If you or a loved one have any of these side effects you should contact a Reglan lawyer to learn about possible compensation.
What makes this permanent condition even more sad, is that it is avoidable. Mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia are often treated using neuroleptics. Neruoleptics have been prescribed since the 1950’s and since that time it has been found that 20-30% of those taking the drug develop 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 such neuroleptic. It is commonly prescribed to treat gastrointestinal disorders like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), persistent heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and a persistent full feeling.
In 2009, the American FDA warned about the potential dangers of long-term and high-dose usage 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. Depending on the quality of care, how often are these medications reviewed, adjusted, and discontinued when necessary? 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.
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.
This article is mean for information purposes only. You should always consult with a physician or other medical professional before entering into or changing any program of prescription drugs.