Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Reglan as follows:
Central nervous system side-effects
- Reglan can induce some dizziness and make one drowsy. Starting the medication at a low dose, watching for the response, and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. If the dizziness becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by reglan intake.
- Reglan use carries the risk of inducing mood changes and depressive symptoms. Patients with history of mood disorders, secondary to reglan intake, can experience deterioration and worsening of symptoms of mood disorders. Individuals can present with complaints such as, feeling low, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, hallucinations, gross appetite changes, impulsiveness, agitation, aggression, and suicidal thoughts.
Cardiovascular side-effects
- Reglan carries the risk of lowering the blood pressure. Also, risk for fluid loss with reglan intake can also contribute to the hypotension. Hypotension can lead to episodes of confusion and dizziness, thus increasing the risk for fall and accidents.
- Reglan carries the risk of causing and aggravating some underlying cardiac arrhythmias, leading to severe debility and death. Individuals can present with signs and symptoms of arrhythmias, such as, frequent episodes of fatigue, lightheadedness, near fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, and/or pounding heartbeat.
