Reglan's Role As A Dopamine Antagonist

By: Johnson Mark Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Dopamine receptors play a key role in several neurological processes. They influence cognitive ability, learning, sensations of pleasure, and motor control. Dopamine antagonists inhibit these receptors. In limited and controlled doses, they can be valuable when prescribed as antipsychotics (to treat psychosis) or antiemetics (to treat vomiting and nausea). The problem is that many patients take this type of medication in high doses or for prolonged periods.

Reglan is dopamine antagonist that is regularly prescribed for gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and diabetic gastroparesis. The drug is only meant to be a short-term solution to relieve symptoms of a chronic problem. When patients take it for periods exceeding three months, there is a danger of developing neurological side effects (for example, tardive dyskinesia).

Below, I'll explain how Reglan (also known by the generic name metoclopramide) works as a dopamine antagonist. I'll also describe a few of the dangerous side effects that long-term use of the drug can lead to and why a growing number of patients are filing Reglan lawsuits.

Why The Drug Is Prescribed By Doctors

One of the most common disorders for which metoclopramide products are prescribed is gastroesophageal reflux disease. Normally, the brain produces dopamine which sends signals throughout the body in order to trigger specific physiological responses. In patients suffering from GERD, one of these signals relaxes the esophageal sphincter and allows the stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.

As a dopamine antagonist, Reglan inhibits this signal. It prevents the esophageal sphincter from relaxing and helps it to remain closed. Meanwhile, the drug also triggers contractions which accelerate the emptying of food from the stomach into the intestines.

Short-term use of drugs containing metoclopramide have proven highly effective for relieving symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, GERD is typically a lifelong condition. Predictably, many patients continue to use Reglan far longer than they should.

Side Effects From Long-Term Metoclopramide Use

When metoclopramide products are used for periods exceeding three months, there is a far greater likelihood of developing several persistent side effects. For example, tardive dyskinesia, a disorder that manifests as uncontrollable movements of the lips, tongue, eyes, and extremities, is often permanent. Other side effects include (but are not limited to) hypotension, bowel disorders, muscle rigidity, and symptoms that are similar to Parkinson's Disease. So strong was the link between prolonged use of metoclopramide and the development of movement disorders that the FDA issued a "black blox" warning in February 2009.

The Growing Evidence Of Negligence

Product liability lawsuits are typically filed on the charge that manufacturers were aware of the dangers their product carried and failed to inform the public about those dangers. Such is the case with the increasing number of Reglan lawsuits. Some people argue that manufacturers of metoclopramide products were not only aware that the drug was unsafe, but did little to investigate the issue further.

Patients rely heavily upon their faith in pharmaceutical companies to test their products and eliminate safety issues prior to releasing them. When those companies are negligent in their legal responsibility to do so, lives can be severely impacted.