Tardive Dyskinesia - Unknown Consequences
A great deal already has been said about the digestive medication Reglan and its links to the movement disorder Tardive Dyskinesia (TD). TD is deeply misunderstood by people who haven't experienced it; sadly, this group includes many doctors who may have prescribed Reglan to their patients. People who suffer from TD can't control the movements of their body, including nuances of facial expressions or spasming of their limbs. Interacting with delicate, sharp or fragile objects becomes hazardous — can you imagine handing a piece of glassware to someone whose hands jerk uncontrollably?
Yet in many cases TD patients are told to “live with it,” as if it were a minor matter that simply could be ignored and handled with the proper willpower and humility. This attitude makes this serious medical condition seem like little more than a minor inconvenience, and tells the patient he is rude to ask for help with it.
The language above is accurate by the way: TD is a serious medical condition. For example, consider the associated condition that certain TD patients have been known to develop — Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). While just 1 percent of TD patients develop this illness, 20 percent of that group dies due to NMS. NMS often results in high fever and varying blood pressure; in the worst cases this can lead to a coma and even death. While the numbers are indeed low, the fact that the initial condition (TD) was caused by a prescription medication should be considered worrisome, and should put to rest any kind of “live with it” commentary from those who really should know better.
TD is a frustrating, emotionally painful, physically disruptive illness that can have very serious and potentially fatal side effects. That it comes from a prescription medication is a terrible thought. So to those who have taken Reglan and are suffering from TD, don't feel that you have to live with it. Demand answers, and make sure you know your options.
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