Side effects after stopping reglan

Posted by medbad @medbad, Jul 7 10:40am

I was on reglan for 8 weeks for stomach emptying issue. After the 8th week I developed some mild depression. I stopped taking the medication and went to see my primary care. He said my serotonin levels were probably depleted from taking this medication and that they should return to normal since I stopped taking the medication. It is now almost two weeks later and I still have mild depression and also developed severe anxiety where I will pace around for hours. I have a follow with him coming up but has anyone else experienced this and how long before it goes away

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Draginfli | @draginfli | Jul 7 1:31pm

Hi,
My heart goes out hearing about your depression and anxiety. I'm very familiar with both and it's such a lonely, scary and confusing feeling that we just want to go away. I'm not a doctor, but I know that it takes time no matter the cause and no matter what - it's not our fault - serotonin levels are chemical and can be altered by a variety of things.

So, I've only been taking Reglan for a short while but I've been taking medications for 3 decades for Lupus and other autoimmune conditions and their symptoms and side effects and the situations they cause (like depression, anxiety, CPTSD, migraines, chronic pain, Nephritis etc.. now Gastroparesis and ulcers. I do a lot of research on the meds. Google (WebMD, MedicineNet, etc. and this site .... Mayo Clinic all showed those side effects as remote possibilities but not really any official reported incidents. Meaning it could DEFINITELY be the cause of your depression but it is equally likely it's something else.
I found that mine was caused by being chronically ill for so long (even after just a few months) - it's depressing and very stressful.
This was a long winded way to offer support but that just my experience and no matter the cause I hope you are feeling yourself very soon! < hugs>

Draginfli | @draginfli | Jul 7 1:42pm

Oh - and I had saved this last week:
Depression and anxiety
People with gastroparesis often experience depression and anxiety. Different studies have found that:

Nearly one in four (22-23%) gastroparesis patients experience depression.
Over one in ten (12%) experience severe anxiety.
About one in four (24%) experience a combination of depression and anxiety.
People can experience depression and anxiety for many reasons. Feelings of distress may be brought on by stressful situations such as relationship problems, financial challenges, and past trauma.

Physical symptoms can also lead to distress. Symptoms such as pain, discomfort and illness can be challenging to deal with, and can interfere with day-to-day activities such as work, family responsibilities, and socialising. These restrictions can lead to feelings of fatigue, low energy and mood, feeling out of control and anxious.

For gastroparesis sufferers it is common that as gastroparesis symptoms worsen, feelings of depression and anxiety increase. Once serotonin levels drop it takes time and effort to regain the previous level and enjoyment of life.