What can we try instead of Reglan to treat Gastroparesis?
Question posted by jac9612 on 21 Sep 2010
Last updated on 4 December 2020 by Ross Gastroparesis
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?
I am very sorry for your mother's tardive dyskinesia. I am not aware of any other medications that aid digestion for people with gastroparesis. I have read about gastric pacemakers and stomach pumps. I had a surgery that causes my pyloric valve to open 100% (when it randomly opens). This allows my stomach to empty into my intestines. It is not a perfect solution as I have to be careful in what I eat. My stomach does not adequately prepare the foods I consume for their transfer into the intestines and so I will have bowel trouble (intense cramping and diarrhea) if I don't closely follow the gastroparesis diet. I am heads and shoulders ahead of where I was when I was taking reglan and/or domperidone, though. I recommend you seek a consultation on the pacemaker, pump or pyloric surgery. I wish you the best and pray your mother will experience improvement!
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womanrancher
2 Dec 2020
I'm so sympathetic because of your mother's issues. I have Gastroparesis, no colon, and live only on liquid nutritional drinks which is so boring, as well as TD. There is another med for gastroparesis known as Domperidone. It is not approved in the US, and is getting very hard to find. Only some compounding pharmacists in the US will make it for you. I hated it, but could not tolerate Reglan. I wish your Mom a successful trial with Domperidone if she can tolerate it. God bless you for being such a great support for your Mom!
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JoGilbert
20 June 2019
I use domperidone. You must be in a study to obtain the drug. Effective.
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teller51
20 June 2019
Domperidone.
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Ellie123456
15 March 2019
My son was diagnosed with severe gastroparesis and GERD a little over a year ago. He started taking omeprazole and erythromycin. The erythromycin didn’t work and so they switched him to reglan. He seemed to be doing much better, but he still had problems. After a year, the doc was hoping his stomach muscles would be strengthened and would start to work on there own. He wasn’t doing better and so we were told surgery was his only option. We weren’t ready to do that since he’s so young. We decided to try a natural doctor. The natural doctor tested food sensitivities (not allergies) and it turns out he has a few very high food sensitivities. We promptly removed these foods from his diet. The natural doctor also recommended DGLs and digestive enzymes for him. My son is doing great now. We’ve been weaning him off of his meds the last few weeks and he’s doing great.
He’s completely off of omeprazole now and mostly off of reglan now. We’re going to take him off of reglan tomorrow and give him iberogast, even though I think his stomach is working fine now. Iberogast helps with stomach movement the way reglan does, but without scary side effects. It also helps with other digestion problems. I‘ve heard that accupuncture is highly effective for gastroparesis also. We haven’t needed to try this ourselves. I highly encourage you to find a good natural doctor and try it. It cost a lot, but it was worth every penny. My son is almost med free now and doing great. He now eats nonstop and is growing! We avoid his food sensitivities and the difference is amazing! He was so sick before. Don’t give up hope! Seek answers and be willing to try other things. Western medicine can be helpful, but doesn’t have great options for gastroparesis all the time. Other helpful things for digestion and reflux that I’ve found are : pure coconut water, pure aloe vera gel, ginger, fennel, and turmeric. I also had something like gastroparesis, but I was never diagnosed. I was nauseous and hardly able to eat most days. I cut out dairy and I’ve been fine since.
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mwjwriter
2 June 2018
Domperidone is often used successfully for motility issues. Catch is, you have to have a prescription for it, and you have to order it from Canada or somewhere else outside the US. The reason for this is because it's not FDA approved.
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rcatladyr
31 May 2018
I know its been quite awhile since you posted I have gastroparesis and don't know if you found help yet. But I'm seeing a specialist in June about getting a Gastric Pacemaker that go's in the stomach. I just heard about it from my stomach doctor he wants me off Reglan now but he says there is nothing else medication wise. I have not gotten any side effects from Reglan and I have been on it about 10 years.
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Sissy104
17 Oct 2017
I tried taking Reglan but I was constantly smacking my lips and then i had optic nerve strokes in both eyes and I went blind in one eye. I'm not sure if the drug caused it but I decided to quit taking it. Reglan does work but the side effects are terrible. I asked my Dr for another drug choice and he recommended Domperidone . I ordered it from True Pharmacy in New Zealand. The drug works but not as well as Reglan. Its not approved in the US so my insurance won t pay for it. I pay $ 72.00 for about 300 tablets plus 10 or 15 dollars shipping and handling.
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koosch
7 April 2013
I was diagnosed with gastroparesis in Dec of 2012 and was promptly put on reglan to treat it. During one of my first visits with a neurologist I was informed of the horrible side affects that reglan can cause and was advised into looking into domperidone (generic for molitum) . I spoke with a gi specialist from the University of Michigan where I transfered all of my treatment to and found it was actually very easy to get. My gi Dr wrote me a prescription for it and told me to check out canadameds.com. I did as he said and the process was simple to follow and began receiving my meds a short time later. It does take some time to get everything set up, since you are dealing with international companies but has been worth it for me. The domperidone took a few weeks to get the full effect but has helped me so much. I have also found a few specialty pharmacies in the area too that you can go to to order it. I have not Delta with any of them so I don't know what is involved in getting the medicine thru them.
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PhillyJT
28 June 2017
Inhousepharmacy.vu. You can order Motilium or Domperidone from this site. Fairly easy, and has worked so far for my wife. The medication is Fairly new so unfortunately we don't know the Long term side effects.
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sandy09
2 April 2013
My daughter has been treated for gastropareis and she has taken domperidon for 3 to 4 yrs. It has not helped her that is worth mentioning and she is considering having Botox injections at a University Hosp. We would not allow her to take Reglan since it had so many side effects and she was at the time under the age of 18. She is not diabetic and has nauseau almost every day of her life and has not responded to drugs. She has taken many conventional drugs to no avail and had numerous tests and procedures as well. Any suggestions would be appreciated! She has went to 2 of the best univeristy hospitals on the east coast. One is actually rated as the best in the world and still no relief yet!
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christina46
27 April 2013
I have fried everything for gastropareis I am now waiting on the pacemaker to be put in.Med wise the best combo was maranol {its has thr tcl of pot in oy} the down side it gives you munchies so be carefeful you dont have a flare.I also take 8 mg of zofran.Good luck
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jnesta1
14 Dec 2012
reglan is the standard medication to use for GP, and it has long been known that it causes TD, because it is related to teh anti psychotics chemically. so sorry to hear about your condition, adn i'm not familiar with teh canadian medications.
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nan1
9 March 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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PhillyJT
28 June 2017
It has worked so far for my Wife, However it is a Very new Medication, the FDA does not know the long term side effects. Again, Hopefully everything works out for the best, but so far so good using the Motilium.
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Tee6759
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
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concerndhubby
2 July 2012
First off, god bless all those living with GP (my abbreviation). My wife and I only recently received her diagnosis this last year. Even though we have been in and out of the Er countless times over the last 3 years for prolonged vomiting and other related issues. I am trying to research other meds that may b more effective for her. Reglan, busiprone, zofran, and suclafate, r what they have her on. But we have also run into other medical conditions that also create numerous additional complexities.
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concerndhubby
2 July 2012
Congrats on the pacemaker success. My wife was referred to a SPEC in san fran, just this month, for the pacemaker surgery. So we thought, got there and the Dr wants to run a series of tests that could require multiple trips to frisco. We had to barrow too much money just to hear that, and we know we can't afford any more trips. Now what do we do?
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PhillyJT
28 June 2017
Research a Medication called Motilium. It may help.
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.
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.
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AlaynasBramma
6 Nov 2016
THANK YOU SO MUCH for your suggestions of other things to try, instead of silly restating the likely issues that the article had fairly well addressed as MOST of the other post mostly did. My symptoms äre fairly severe & I “REALLY” need at least “some help” with my severe symptoms. THANKS AGAIN, for leading me to ôther things to look into & try, as well as the BEST places to find them ... tremendous help!! Good bless you & yours!!
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PhillyJT
28 June 2017
Motilium is another format of Domperidone. You do have to order it online, however the side effects seem to be MUCH less then Reglan.
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egecko
3 Nov 2018
Background and Important Safety Information Domperidone is not currently a legally marketed human drug and it is not approved for sale in the U.S. On June 7, 2004, FDA issued a public warning that distributing any domperidone-containing products is illegal. FDA also issued an Import Alert instructing FDA field personnel to detain shipments of finished drug products and bulk ingredients containing domperidone, and refuse admission into the US. FDA took this action because of the concern about the potential serious health risks associated with the use of domperidone by lactating women to enhance breast milk production.
The serious risks associated with domperidone include cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and sudden death. These risks are related to the blood level of domperidone, and higher levels in the blood are associated with higher risks of these events. Concurrent use of certain commonly used drugs, such as erythromycin, could raise blood levels of domperidone and further increase the risk of serious adverse cardiac outcomes.
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.
