Metoclopramide is a drug that has caused serious side effects in some patients. Metoclopramide is a medication taken orally to treat diabetic gastroparesis, which is the delayed movement of food from the stomach into the intestine, and GERD, which is a backup of stomach acid into the esophagus. Symptoms of these conditions include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, heartburn, and chest pain. Metoclopramide is found in the brand name drug called Reglan.

The FDA Warns of Metoclopramide Side Effects

Metoclopramide side effects can be severe. The FDA has acknowledged these metoclopramide side effects and on February 26, 2009, the FDA mandated that metoclopramide products have a "black box" warning label. This black box warning is the FDA’s strictest warning. Black Box warnings indicate that a medication has the potential to cause life-threatening side effects. There are multiple life-threatening metoclopramide side effects.

Serious Metoclopramide Side Effects

Metoclopramide side effects include serious health problems. These metoclopramide side effects include the following conditions:

· Tardive Dyskinesia, which are involuntary, repetitive movements affecting the face, trunk and/or limbs;

· Aldosteronism, which is a condition where the adrenal glands produce excessive hormones and cause low blood-potassium levels (If left untreated, aldosteronism can be fatal, as it may result in heart attack, heart failure, stroke or kidney failure);

· Agranulocytosis, which is a condition characterized by low levels of white blood cells (If left untreated, agranulocytosis can result in osteoporosis and other irreversible conditions);

· Depression and/or suicidal thoughts;

· Hallucinations;

· Jaundice;

· Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a life-threatening neurological condition marked by delirium, fever and muscle rigidity;

· Seizures; and

· Tachycardia, an arrhythmia marked by increased heart rate.

Some of these metoclopramide side effects can clear up with immediate treatment, but in the worst cases, serious metoclopramide side effects are incurable and potentially deadly. People who have suffered serious metoclopramide side effects may have viable legal claims, and should contact a metoclopramide side effects lawyer right as soon as possible to protect their legal rights.

Metoclopramide Side Effect Symptoms

It is important that patients who take metoclopramide are aware of the symptoms that may be evidence of serious metoclopramide side effects. These metoclopramide side effects symptoms include convulsions, jitters, uncontrollable movements in the eyes, jaw, tongue or neck, anxiety, delirium, fever, loss of consciousness, and restlessness. If you experience symptoms of metoclopramide side effects, you should seek immediate medical attention.