subject: How Does Reglan Affect Depression? [print this page] How Does Reglan Affect Depression? How Does Reglan Affect Depression?
Reglan is a powerful medication used to treat chronic acid reflux. However, while it can help people prevent the painful symptom of heartburn, it has also been linked to dangerous side effects such as the development of neuromuscular disorders. Additionally, it can contribute to feelings of depression and even suicidal thoughts.
First, Reglan contains a strong drug called metoclopramide. To prevent acid reflux, metoclopramide stimulates the upper digestive tract, which allows you to process your food faster. This stops stomach acid from splashing up into your esophagus, causing heartburn. However, metoclopramide also degrades the dopamine neurotransmitter pathway because it eats away at the dopamine receptors between your muscles and nerves. This can cause neuromuscular disorders like tardive dyskinesia.
It is also important to realize the overall purpose of dopamine. This neurotransmitter and hormone regulates movement as well as mood. Thus, metoclopramide can cause uncontrollable muscle spasms as it destroys the connection between muscles and nerves. At the same time, it can also disrupt the uptake of dopamine signaling in the brain. In the brain, dopamine functions as a chemical signal to promote feelings of happiness. Therefore, it can contribute to side effects such as depression.
Additionally, because of the dual functions of dopamine, neuromuscular disorders such as tardive dyskinesia can cause symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts. Thus, Reglan and metoclopramide can actually disrupt both of these functions of dopaminecontrolled movement and feelings of happiness.
However, it is important to note that decreased dopamine can help some mental disorders, such as schizophrenia. Sometimes, an excess of dopamine can contribute to the symptoms of schizophrenia, so doctors will prescribe dopamine receptor blockers in order to control them.
People who are depressed should think twice before taking Reglan. If you have suffered from depression or neuromuscular disorders after taking Reglan, you may be entitled to financial compensation to help you with your pain and suffering. You should contact an experienced Reglan lawyer from Williams Kherkher today for more help.
