Reglan Litigation Moving Forward

Reglan, a popular gastrointestinal drug, has been a source of controversy for many years as more and more patients have been reporting serious side effects from the drug. It has been linked to conditions such as tardive dyskinesia and other neurological movement disorders, but the most serious associated side effect is Reglan neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Although it has only been observed in a small number of patients, its connection to Reglan is significant and the disease itself is distressing and painful.
Basic symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome are hyperthermia, muscular rigidity, and autonomic instability. These symptoms are also the symptoms of a panic attack, leading some patients to believe that this is all that is wrong with them. However, in a more serious form, it can cause pneumonia, seizures, arrhythmia, respiratory failure, and renal failure – and can be fatal if not detected or treated in time. Several patients have died from the condition and medical attention is needed.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is linked to drugs that have dopamine D2 receptor antagonist properties, often found in antipsychotic medications. However, Reglan – while not an antipsychotic – also contains a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist. This particular form has been known for decades to have the potential to cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Those who have been properly treated for the syndrome can be cured of it, but in about 5 to 11 percent of cases the condition is fatal. It was first discovered among psychiatric patients taking antipsychotics, and has been known about since the 1960s. However, there seems to be little that medical professionals are doing to combat the possibility that Reglan might cause this potentially fatal condition, putting patients at risk. The syndrome works quickly, making it imperative that Reglan patients who suspect they may have it should get medical assistance as quickly as possible and to get legal help from a Reglan lawyer.