Metoclopramide and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2020

For Migraine "Ok, my experience is just the same as everybody else's on this site. I went to the hospital for some stomach pain, and they gave me Reglan through the IV. I got paralyzed in my arm and body, I couldn't move, I couldn't talk. I just wanted to scream, I felt like I was dying. I never had a panic attack in my whole life until that moment. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't dial my husband's phone number to tell him that I thought it was the end for me. That's how bad I felt. It was like I was really passing out, and my heart was coming out of my chest. This happened about 4 months ago. Now the problem is that since then, I have anxiety almost every day for no reason, panic attacks for no reason. I feel agitated and always have the fear that something is wrong with me, afraid I may pass away and leave my kids behind. Did any of you experience the same thing as I am and can't get out of this anxiety? Please send me some answers. If the side effects persist for a long time, what can I do to go back to normal life again?"

• MaK...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2021

For Nausea/Vomiting "I was given Reglan via IV injection in the ER because of nausea. When I tell you this is the worst drug I've ever taken, I mean it. As soon as it was injected, I felt like I was in a different world. I then threw up 15 times, and it is almost a week after taking it, and I am just now getting over the suicidal thoughts and depression. I still have nightmares and anxiety, but nothing like it was. I will never take this drug again, and neither will my children when I have them because I think this drug shouldn't be on the market."

• Anonymous
• May 8, 2020

For Nausea/Vomiting "Within minutes of being given the Reglan, I had a sweltering hot feeling come over me. I began to panic and become restless. The more I watched the clock slowly tick by and tried not to focus on the impending doom feeling, the worse it got. I wanted to rip the IV out of my arm. Between the anxiety, wanting to run for the hills, and my pounding heart in my chest, it was a miracle I didn’t scream bloody murder. This went on for a good 30 minutes before the feeling subsided and I passed out. Although the medicine made me extremely anxious, it did knock down the nausea. I hope this validates any concerns and past experiences. I do not have a history of psych, but with this medication, I don’t believe there requires to be one to make you feel this way. Please do not let a doctor try to tell you that Benadryl will make it better and cancel out the anxiety feeling or that you can breathe through it. Trust your instincts and self-advocate! Hope this helps!"

• Lyl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2020

For GERD "I took Reglan on August 13th, just one 10 mg dose. Soon as I took it, I got on the road, not expecting anything of it. I had a big panic attack on the road! Smh, we are now in October! I have been through a nightmare of a time and back off of this medication, experienced feelings of derealization, depersonalization, anxiety, severe suicidal depression. After all this time, I had to be put on an anti-depressant, and it’s not a joke!!! This is real, please be aware! They need to stop giving this to people!!!! This isn't right. I’m really suffering, I mean in emotional pain and despair. My muscles are still twitching also!"

• han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2020

For Migraine "I went to the ER with a migraine so bad I couldn't even walk. I got hooked up to an IV that gave me the “migraine cocktail“ (Reglan, Benadryl). I felt the most terrible anxiety I have ever felt in my life. I felt like I was trapped. I kept twitching and fixating on the IV in my arm. I begged and begged and begged for them to take it out. I was prescribed Reglan alone to take when my migraines got bad again. I didn't know it was the Reglan that made me feel this way at first, so I started taking it when I felt a migraine coming on. I will never take this medication again. It is the most terrible feeling in the world. Your heart races and you feel like you're being held down, like you are being put in a near-death scenario. I hate you, Reglan!!"

• Sam...
• October 27, 2019

For Migraine "I went to the ER complaining of a migraine. I was put on Toradol, Benadryl, and Reglan. I have gotten Toradol shots for my migraines over the last couple of weeks with absolutely no problem whatsoever. I also have never had an adverse reaction to Benadryl in my life. So I know the Reglan is to blame. Within 5 minutes of this drug polluting my veins, I felt an insanely strong urge to rip my IV out of my arm. I got extremely restless, like I had to keep moving. I felt like I needed to leave the hospital immediately and was in a total panic. I couldn’t sit still, I just felt like something terrible was happening. This drug definitely induced an anxiety or some sort of panic attack. I do not recommend this at all."

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 27, 2012

For Gastroparesis "I found this medication extremely helpful when I was first diagnosed. I had to change my eating habits dramatically, so when I messed up or when the nausea flared up, Reglan was great. I did find, like many other patients, that the side effects (anxiety for me) got worse over time. After about a year, I felt I had learned how to manage my diet and stopped taking Reglan entirely. Reglan was a great tool in the beginning to help me figure out what eating habits worked, but now I manage everything through diet. I think that is very possible for others with gastroparesis, too."

• ks1...
• March 18, 2012

For Gastroparesis "I was on this medicine for about 2 weeks, and I had to quit taking it. My hands started shaking, and I also developed a head and neck twitch. I also had a difficult time thinking, reacting, and focusing. My vision was blurry, and I often felt anxious. It didn't seem to help as much as it hurt. Now I have to wait to see if my ticks go away."

• 342...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2023

For Migraine "OMG! Reading the comments explains a lot. I went to the ER for a cluster headache. I was given a migraine cocktail with Benadryl. For some reason, the doctor decided to give me Reglan after. Within 10 minutes, my heart rate monitor was going crazy, and I thought I was going to die. They rushed me in and did an EKG, and I remember thinking I thought you passed out when you died. They had also numbed my eyes shut with drops, so I couldn't hardly open them while my heart rate was at 160 for like an hour. I developed such terrible anxiety with IV meds that traumatized me because of Reglan. Never again will I take this drug."

• Bel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2020

For GERD "DO NOT take this drug... I don't even know hospitals or medical practices administer this lunatic drug, but it should be removed. I was recently in the ER for a very bad acid reflux/GERD flare-up, and they gave me a GI cocktail, which I'm used to... shortly after, a Reglan/Protonic IV fluid. All was well until 10 minutes later, and I was bugging out! I wanted to jump out of my skin and run out of that hospital. I thought they were going to sedate me and throw me into a psychiatric unit... It was terrible!!!! I already suffer from anxiety, so literally it was anxiety on STEROIDS. I never want to experience that ever again, and I'm still suffering with small side effects from the meds... I'll never be the same."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2022

For Migraine "Never take this. This was given to me in the hospital for a migraine. I had a horrible anxiety attack and thought I was going to die. I have been severely depressed since then and have horrible anxiety. Anyone else feel this way?"

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2019

For Migraine "I went to the local quick care emergency room with a severe headache and pain. I was having nausea as well. They came in and gave me a dose of IV Reglan, and within seconds I was freaking out, trying to pull my IV out and yelling that I needed to get out of there. I was dizzy, disoriented, and felt like I was on some serious drugs. I was having severe anxiety, and I felt like my heart was going to explode. I have never reacted this way to any drug, and it was a terrifying experience. I would not recommend this POS medication to anyone, please be careful, especially if you have preexisting anxiety!!"

• Les...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2019

For Gastroparesis "I was diagnosed with SMA (Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome) syndrome. I had surgery to help correct it, but from years of being misdiagnosed because SMA is very rare in someone like me, my esophagus paid the price due to being obstructed for so many years. I have very little motility. My doctor put me on Reglan following my surgery to aid with digestion. Shortly after taking it, I felt extreme fatigue. As the days went on, my anxiety level increased. I have never been a person with anxiety, so this was rare for me. I constantly had people asking me, 'What's wrong?' My thoughts were racing all the time. The only thing I could attribute it to was Reglan. I told my doctor, and he said to discontinue use. After a few days of being off the medication, I began to feel like myself again. If it works for you, great, but if you are experiencing any of the things I mentioned, I would quit taking the medicine."

• Sal...
• January 31, 2020

For Migraine "Had a headache for 4 weeks. Very severe. Tried everything OTC. Went to ER. Dr. gave a migraine cocktail with Reglan and Benadryl. I weigh 130, 5'6. I immediately started feeling ridiculous anxiety, shaking uncontrollably. Short of breath, feeling like I was going to pass out, and my heart rate was dropping. I felt like I was going to die. I couldn’t even talk to my husband on the phone. Wanted to rip out the IV. I actually stopped the IV and hit the button for help. They had closed the door and I got severe panic. Once the IV was done, they gave me Valium, which helped a little and sent me home. Still had the headache slightly. Have some side effects in the evening and now today. How long does it take to wear off? Awful, awful experience."

• nsm...
• April 30, 2020

For Nausea/Vomiting "On April 28, 2020, I went to the ER for gastrointestinal problems due to bloating and nausea. The ER doctor injected Reglan into my IV without telling me the side effects of the medication. After she injected the meds, I started to feel anxious, antsy, and I wanted to rip my IV out of my arm. I couldn’t pick my phone up to call anyone. I felt I was going to die and lose control. This medication is no good."

• She...
• August 22, 2015

For Migraine "I wouldn't even give this drug a 1. I came to the ER last night for severe head and neck pain, and this is what they suggested giving me in an IV: Reglan and Benadryl. I had this once a year or so ago and had a terrible reaction and insisted I didn't want the IV. However, I ended up letting them talk me into it and got it. Within 5 minutes of getting the IV, I felt anxious, trapped, paranoid, like I was going to die. I had to page the nurse like 3 times to come take the IV out. I just wanted to go home. I ended up pacing and walking 20 laps around the hospital with a nurse. They ended up talking me into allowing them to give me Ativan and more Benadryl to reverse the Reglan. I truly felt like I was going to die."

• She...
• August 22, 2015

For Migraine "I wouldn't even give this drug a 1. I came to the ER last night for severe head and neck pain, and this is what they suggested giving me in an IV: Reglan and Benadryl. I had this once a year or so ago and had a terrible reaction and insisted I didn't want the IV. However, I ended up letting them talk me into it and got it. Within 5 minutes of getting the IV, I felt anxious, trapped, paranoid, like I was going to die. I had to page the nurse like 3 times to come take the IV out. I just wanted to go home. I ended up pacing and walking 20 laps around the hospital with a nurse. They ended up talking me into allowing them to give me Ativan and more Benadryl to reverse the Reglan. I truly felt like I was going to die."

• Cec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2020

For Nausea/Vomiting "I’m in my first trimester and was prescribed Reglan 3 times a day for my severe nausea. I literally took a dose this morning at 8 AM and haven’t taken another one since. This pill is awful. I have been on it for a week and have experienced anxiety, insomnia, nightmares, and STILL nauseous. I would take it and feel like I had to get up and move around, I was antsy. I’m so glad I found this forum so that I know I’m not going crazy. Please, if you have nausea, ask the doctor for a different medication."

• Nev...
• November 12, 2009

For Nausea/Vomiting "This was given to me as an IV, and I felt restless and anxious. I had hallucinations and unbelievable depression and emotional pain. I thought I went crazy and had suicidal thoughts. I was depressed for a month after that. I couldn't tell you if it worked because I was too busy arguing with myself on whether I was crazy. I am one of those people who never thought suicide was an answer to anything, but this medicine made me believe it was the only answer."

• lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2023

For Migraine "Caused immediate dystonic reaction, hallucinations, derealization, depersonalization, agoraphobia, monophobia, daily panic attacks, severe depression, akathisia, legs stopped working, muscle tremors, severe fatigue, chills, fainting, diarrhea, nausea, dry heaving, loss of appetite, acid reflux, shortness of breath, red burning skin, numbness in limbs, headache, restlessness, chest pain. Was given this drug via IV one-time dose! It has now been 6 months and I am still completely disabled, feels like I'm living in a dream, scared all of the time, can't eat, no joy, suffering for months on end. I’ve heard it can take a year or more to recover. Please join the Reglan Support Group on Facebook if you are suffering long-term effects from this med and don’t let doctors gaslight you! Keep in mind I have no history of mental illness and now have similar issues to TBI and severe panic disorder."

• Van...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 16, 2019

For Migraine "I went into the ER with a severe migraine, and I was given what they call a migraine cocktail. I told them before I was given the medication that I suffered from an anxiety disorder. They did not tell me that Reglan's side effect was anxiety. As soon as the nurse injected my IV, I felt a horrible anxiety attack, it lasted for hours. I felt so anxious and wanted to run out of the hospital. Please make sure you know what you’re getting. I’d rather have a horrible headache than that. This medication is dangerous."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 6, 2015

For Gastroparesis "I have what has so far been categorized as gastroparesis, and while it did help with my stomach pains after eating, I acquired a heavy restlessness that basically made it impossible to do anything. I could hardly focus my vision, nonetheless my mind, and my muscles felt tense and restless, occasionally twitching. It was almost an anxiety level of antsy feelings that I sort of had to wait out. At least when in pain I can focus and actually do things (albeit with more effort), but with this I was useless."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2011

For Nausea/Vomiting "I was given Reglan via IV and mouth just prior to both of my c-sections. On both occasions, within minutes, I was very anxious. On the operating table, I had an anxiety attack and was begging for someone to help me. Everyone just thought I was freaking out because it was a c-section. I thought I had gone crazy. It ruined both of my childbirth experiences because I didn't care about the birth - all I wanted was to crawl out of my skin and disappear so I could get away from the awful panic and anxiety. Although I was physically present for the birth, mentally and emotionally, I had checked out."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2011

For Nausea/Vomiting "I was given Reglan via IV and mouth just prior to both of my c-sections. On both occasions, within minutes, I was very anxious. On the operating table, I had an anxiety attack and was begging for someone to help me. Everyone just thought I was freaking out because it was a c-section. I thought I had gone crazy. It ruined both of my childbirth experiences because I didn't care about the birth - all I wanted was to crawl out of my skin and disappear so I could get away from the awful panic and anxiety. Although I was physically present for the birth, mentally and emotionally, I had checked out."

• Anonymous
• May 12, 2009

For Nausea/Vomiting "I was given Reglan in an ER when I couldn't stop vomiting when I had a migraine. It helped to stop my vomiting, but I reacted horribly. It made me uncontrollably agitated and nervous. I couldn't stop moving, I couldn't think clearly, and I couldn't relax until I was given a sedative. I now claim that I am allergic to the drug due to the way my body reacted to it."