November 15, 2011

The drug, Reglan, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of heartburn, but is also prescribed by doctors to new mothers for it’s off-label use of being able to help them produce more milk. This is a practice that should be exercised with extreme caution due to the drugs side effect of anxiety and depression among users and the higher rate of occurrence of these disorders among new mothers.

The drug is used by mothers with low prolactin levels, a hormone necessary for new mothers to produce milk for their child. The drug works by blocking dopamine, a key hormone in mood regulation. While blocking dopamine results in higher prolactin levels, and thus causes milk to be produced, cutting the brain off from a chemical needed to for “happiness” can have catastrophic results as 10 percent of all childbearing women experience postpartum depression.

Mothers need to be warned that symptoms can set in as early as after the first dose, or could take up to six weeks before noticing any changes in thoughts and/or behaviors.  Normally, the feelings of depression and anxiety will go away once taking the drug has ceased.

It is recommended that you stop taking the drug immediately and consult a doctor if you have taken Reglan and have experienced any changes in mood or behavior.

The Reglan Drug Injury Lawyers with Hughes and Coleman can be reached anytime to discuss any questions you may have if you have been harmed in any way by taking the drug Reglan.