Tardive Dyskinesia
When the communication between your nerves and muscles is disrupted, it can leave you with serious, permanent disabilities. You may lose control of your movements to the point where you constantly suffer from spasms and twitches that you are helpless to stop. One such neuromuscular disorder is tardive dyskinesia.
Prolonged or heavy use of the metoclopramide-containing drug Reglan can cause you to develop tardive dyskinesia. If you or someone you love has developed this permanent disability due to the use of Reglan, you should speak to a Reglan lawyer about your legal rights. For more information, contact the Reglan attorneys of Williams Kherkher today at 800-761-3187.
How Reglan Causes Tardive Dyskinesia
One way that your nerves control your muscle movements is through the transmission of dopamine. When these dopamine receptors are blocked or altered by medication, it can interfere with the nerves’ control over muscle movements.
The main component in Reglan, metoclopramide, is a dopamine receptor antagonist. This means that it blocks the transmission of this signaling from the nerves to the muscles. If you use Reglan for an extended period of time, it can permanently damage your dopamine receptors.
Symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia
Like Tourette syndrome, tardive dyskinesia results in uncontrollable muscle spasms. However, tardive dyskinesia is mainly characterized by the way it affects one’s facial movements. Symptoms of this disorder include the following unplanned, repetitive motions:
- Chewing or up-and-down jaw movement
- Tongue protrusion or wiggling
- Lip smacking
- Cheek puffing
Contact Us
Developing tardive dyskinesia can prevent you from living a normal life and taking care of those you love. If you have been treated with Reglan and have contracted this disorder as a result, you should talk to a Reglan attorney about your legal options. Contact the offices of Williams Kherkher today at 800-761-3187.
