Warning as long-term use of anti-nausea pill is linked to depression and muscle weakness Metoclopramide is prescribed to thousands of NHS patients every year By Jo Macfarlane Published: 18:37 EDT, 25 May 2024 | Updated: 18:38 EDT, 25 May 2024 e-mail View comments Doctors are being warned about the dangers of over-prescribing a common anti-sickness drug which has been linked to permanent tremors and disability. The treatment, metoclopramide, is prescribed to thousands of NHS patients every year to help cope with nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and conditions such as migraine and indigestion. It works by blocking signals between the brain and the gut which trigger vomiting.
Following evidence that long-term use could cause neurological problems such as uncontrollable spasms and involuntary facial movements, regulators warned GPs in 2013 only to prescribe it for a maximum of five days. Research shows that patients taking metoclopramide can also develop depression . But experts say patients are still being given it for longer than five days, putting them at risk of 'lifelong' complications.
One woman is taking legal action after she took the drugs over 11-years and now has permanent problems with her vision, speech and movement. Doctors are being warned about the dangers of over-prescribing a common anti-sickness drug which has been linked to permanent tremors and disability The treatment, metoclopramide, is prescribed to thousands of NHS patients every y.