What can we try instead of Reglan to treat Gastroparesis?
- Posted:
- 21 Sep 2010 by jac9612
- Topics:
- reglan, tardive dyskinesia, gastroparesis, gerd, diabetes, type 2
Details:
My mother has taken Reglan for years, but has now come off the drug because of a diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia. Her symptoms are very bad to the point where we thought she had parkinson's disease. She is diabetic, has GERD and also Gastroparesis and the Reglan did help in digestion. Now we need an alternative as the gastroparesis is a terrible condition to deal with. Are there other medications that can replace the Reglan? Does anyone have any experience with other meds for this gastroparesis condition?
Thanks.
21 Sep 2010
I'm very sorry to hear about this, it sounds like your mother has been through quite a lot. I, myself, suffer from stomach problems and I take Reglan. I recently stopped taking it because I've heard about the nasty side effects of said medication, like Tardive Dyskinesia, and heart problems. I've read about how many people have filed lawsuits against Reglan medicine companies because it isn't uncommon for people to develop this disorder, especially when taking the medication for long periods of time and at high doses. Your mother could probably do the same for her pain and suffering because of the damage the medication has done to her body.
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I don't really know much about Gastroparesis, so I can't really recommend another medication. The best thing to do is tell your mother to consult her doctor as he will know an alternative medication. I'm extremely surprised her doctor kept her on that medication for so long. There's always an alternative with medications your doctor should of known the serious side effects of long term use of Reglan, at most people should only use Reglan for 12 weeks. Taking the medication for years would be ridiculous.
21 Sep 2010
I'm very sorry to hear about this, it sounds like your mother has been through quite a lot. I, myself, suffer from stomach problems and I take Reglan. I recently stopped taking it because I've heard about the nasty side effects of said medication, like Tardive Dyskinesia, and heart problems. I've read about how many people have filed lawsuits against Reglan medicine companies because it isn't uncommon for people to develop this disorder, especially when taking the medication for long periods of time or at high doses. Your mother could probably do the same for her pain and suffering because of the damage the medication has done to her body.
Expand this post...
I don't really know much about Gastroparesis, so I can't really recommend another medication. The best thing to do is tell your mother to consult her doctor as he will know an alternative medication. I'm extremely surprised her doctor kept her on that medication for so long. There's always an alternative with medications your doctor should of known the serious side effects of long term use of Reglan, at most people should only use Reglan for 12 weeks. Taking the medication for years would be ridiculous. Anyways, I hope your mother gets well soon. Take care.
26 Oct 2010
I reluctanly went on Reglan 2 weeks ago d/t terrible gastroparesis, and I have to say it is helping. This is not a medication you should be on long term d/t potential side effects... maybe a couple months but never years! Your mom's doctor did a great disservice by continuing to prescribe this med without teaching side effects.
I was told I may experience muscle twitching or hand tremors and these are symptoms which would be reversable once the med is stopped. But one symptom that is NOT reversable is Tardive Dyskinesia. Sorry :(
Erythromycin is an antibiotic that sometimes is used for GP as it promotes stomach emptying, but it is very harsh on stomach for some people. You can also look into alternative meds such as Triphala (iherbs dot com) and for support you can google ADMD site for lots of info/support on GP.
Best wishes for good health
16 Dec 2010
I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. I was on Reglan for about 3 years or so. When it seemed to decrease in effectiveness and I requested an increase, they told me about the Tardive Dyskinesia, and that I would have to sign a release if I wanted to continue taking it.
I would like to say in response to the person who doesn't have Gastroparesis, it was only discovered about a year or so ago that Tardive Dyskinesia was a side effect. Gastroparesis is incurable and Reglan was the most effective medication. This is why people took it for years.
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Anyway, my doctor switched me from Reglan to something called Domperidone. It's not as effective so I'm going a more alternative route. I would recommend having your prescription sent to jandrugs.com, there's a toll free number. I was able to get 400 tablets for $75. AstraZeneca recommended this company because of the better deal I get v. 90 tablets for $45 at my local pharmacy. It's not covered by insurance companies or medicare.
I've started taking digestive enzymes, probiotics, and something called Triphala. Triphala has turned out to be a pretty good natural laxative. I'm also doing a Triphala internal cleansing. It's actually recommended.
Diet is important. Low fats and fibers, soft and liquidy foods. No red meats because they are difficult to digest. No fruits or vegetables with seeds or stems because they are difficult to digest. I've decided to try a gluten free/dairy free diet. Do some research on the ill effects of dairy and gluten. Dairy can make a person bloated and gassy, and with the case of Gastroparesis, very uncomfortable. Gluten is bad on the digestive tract. However, there is organic dairy that doesn't have all the crap in it. Try low fiber soy. Soy is not as bad as it sounds. I would recommend calling your local health food store. They should have someone available specifically to answer health questions. If not, keep trying.
Exercise is important. I try to get 20 to 30 minutes walking on a treadmill a day. It relieves the gas and bloating.
Finally, do some research on any other medications your mother is taking. Possible side effects could be nausea, vomiting, indigestion, constipation, etc. Keep pushing her doctors for alternatives if need be.
14 Dec 2011
Hello, my name is Tee. I was diagnosed in July 2011 with gastroparesis. My doctors found that a combination of Metozolv, Mirtazapine, Bentyl, and Zofran for my gastroparesis. This combo kept me going with the least side effects including nausea for the first 4 months. Unfortunately, my condition worsened and I required surgery to implant a gastro pacemaker. This is new and leading-edge technology that has given me a new lease on life. I'm slowly gaining back my life now, one day at a time. I hope this can help others who might have this condition. I feel its given me a 2nd chance again.
In peace,
Tee
9 Mar 2012
I have been told by my GI that Motilium (generic name is Domperidone) is being used in Canada and elsewhere with good results. My best friend's mother has Diabetic Gastroparesis and has ordered it through Canada on-line. She says that it is a 'Wonder Drug'. I am going to try it since I have TD from 10 years of Reglan. It is cheaper to get the generic. I've often wondered though, why stop taking the Reglan if you have already gotten TD? If anyone else has heard about Domperidone or used it, I would love to know how it worked!
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