Reglan: Living with Tardive Dyskinesia
The anti-depressant commonly known as Reglan has been consistently linked with the development of a movement disorder known as Tardive Dyskinesia (TD). TD is characterized by a belated development of involuntary physical tics that, in combination, can start to seriously impinge upon the patient’s life. The exact causes are unknown, and there are currently few treatments available for the disorder.
There are a number of symptoms of TD, some of which are very similar to those in Tourette Syndrome. In all cases, the movements are entirely involuntary, and can cause a sense of physical discomfort if the patient tries to ignore them.
Noted tics that come with TD are quite numerous: Arms, legs and the trunk will often move rapidly about, sometimes even violently. Some patients report continual, rapid blinking of the eyes. Others experience the need to suck on or “smack” their lips over and over. Some are described as trying to play an invisible guitar or piano as their fingers move rapidly back and forth. Still others report unexplained chewing motions, or facial grimaces that they did not intend to make. Movements of the tongue are also common.
In and of themselves, these may not seem like particularly bothersome afflictions. However, imagine trying to get a good night’s sleep when your body won’t stop moving. Consider the effect the same activity might have on a spouse or companion. Chapped lips frequently result from continual licking or sucking motions. Also, consider just how “harmless” an involuntary body motion would be when, for example, trying to drive a car or cut food for dinner.
TD is not necessarily as critical or life-threatening an ailment as some medical side effects. The point, however, is that it does not have to be immediately life-threatening in order to notably and negatively impact someone’s life. Given that there are few treatments beyond a small handful of promising medical trials and a “wait and see” approach, it would be quite unseemly to dismiss the impact of this disorder in those unlucky enough to be exposed to it.
