Risk Factors for Tardive Dyskinesia
Your nerves control both voluntary and involuntary muscle movements. This occurs through a communication chain that includes signaling molecules called dopamine. If the dopamine neurotransmitter pathway gets disrupted, it can interfere with your control over your muscles. This can lead to neuromuscular disorders such as tardive dyskinesia.
Although tardive dyskinesia can develop without warning, it is often the result of unsafe medications such as Reglan. Reglan contains a powerful ingredient called metoclopramide, which can cause permanent damage to your dopamine receptors. If you now suffer from tardive dyskinesia due to taking Reglan, please contact an experienced Reglan lawsuit attorney from Williams Kherkher today at 800-761-3187.
Medications
One of the primary causes of tardive dyskinesia, or TD, is medications that disrupt the dopamine pathway. Many of these drugs are anti-psychotics used to treat people with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions. However, Reglan, a drug used to manage diabetic gastroparesis and gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD), has also been linked with TD due to the side effects of metoclopramide.
Other Risk Factors
Besides taking these potentially dangerous medications, there are several other risk factors that can increase your chances of developing tardive dyskinesia. People who are at a higher risk for TD include:
- Women
- People age 55 or older
- Individuals with mental retardation
- Those with a history of head injuries
- Individuals with past substance abuse
Frustratingly, the longer you take hazardous medications such as Reglan, the higher chance you have of developing tardive dyskinesia.
Contact Us
Tardive dyskinesia is a devastating disease that is typically incurable. If you believe that you now have TD after taking Reglan or metoclopramide, you can fight back. Contact a tenacious Reglan side effects attorney from Williams Kherkher at 800-761-3187 today to learn more about your legal options.
