Involuntary Movement Disorder Linked to Reglan, Other Neuroleptic Drugs
By Jim Greene
Published on March 26, 2010
Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological movement disorder caused by long-term use of a class of drugs known as dopamine antagonists. The most common symptoms are repetitive, involuntary movements of the face, fingers, arms, legs, and torso. For some sufferers, symptoms continue after withdrawal from the drugs.
Many of the drugs linked to tardive dyskinesia are neuroleptics, used to treat psychiatric disorders, such as psychoses, and are known as antipsychotics. Some are used to treat neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.
Neuroleptic Drug Reglan Subject of Numerous Lawsuits
One of the neuroleptics, known generically as metoclopramide, is used to treat gastrointestinal issues. Under the brand name Reglan®, it has been the subject of numerous lawsuits by victims of tardive dyskinesia. Plaintiffs claim its maker, Schwarz Pharma USA, did too little to warn them, their doctors, or pharmacists of the risks of developing tardive dyskinesia.
Some of the involuntary movements that characterize tardive dyskinesia include smacking, puckering, or pursing of the lips; tongue protrusion; grimacing; rapid eye blinking; finger movements that look like the playing of an invisible piano or guitar; and twitching of arms and legs.
The list of neuroleptics with possible links to tardive dyskinesia includes:
- Reglan® (metoclopramide)
- Prolixin®/Modecate (fluphenazine)
- Thorazine (chlorpromazine) Piportil (pipotiazine)
- Clozaril® (clozapine)
- Trilafon (perphenazine)
- Haldol® (haloperidol)
- Orap® (pimozide)
- Seroquel® (quetiapine) Stelazine® (trifluoperazine)
- Loxitane/Loxapac (loxapine)
- Risperdal® (risperidone)
- Mellaril (thioridazine)
- Serentil® (mesoridazine)
- Navane® (thiothixine)
- Zyprexa® (olanzapine)
Another group of dopamine antagonists is used to treat conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. It includes:
- Prozac® (fluoxetine)
- Asendin (amoxapine)
- Zoloft® (sertraline) Sinequan® (doxepine)
- Nardil® (phenelzine)
- Tofranil (imipramine)
- Elavil® (amitriptyline)
- Lithium
Neither list is complete. As with all prescription drug concerns, patients should consult a doctor or pharmacist with questions about any medication.
If you or someone you know has suffered from the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia after taking any of the dopamine antagonist drugs, including Reglan®, contact an experienced product liability/personal injury attorney. Even if your symptoms have subsided, you may have suffered lost income, as well as pain and suffering. If you still have symptoms, you will need to pay for medical treatment. Your attorney will fight to see that you get the financial compensation you deserve.
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