The different metoclopramide side effects include movement problems, gastrointestinal upset, respiratory or heart issues, eye changes and disordered thinking. Like many other drugs, this medication, which may be prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may also cause people who are allergic to it to experience life-threatening symptoms such as swelling of the mouth, tongue or lips or a rash accompanied by itching. When severe, dangerous side effects occur, medical help should be sought immediately. Metoclopramide side effects may or may not occur, depending on the dosage and the patient.
Patients with depression may not be prescribed metoclopramide, as one of its side effects could be mood changes that might lead to suicidal thoughts. A side effect of this drug is that it could create new problems in people who don't have a pre-existing mood disorder. Hallucinations are other metoclopramide side effects. Severe mental changes are thought to be rarer metoclopramide side effects. Confused thinking along with dizziness, anxiety, restlessness and headache may be much more likely to occur.
Possible metoclopramide side effects include changes in vision or yellowing of the eyes. Eye yellowing could indicate liver disease. This side effect should be checked by a doctor. Uncontrolled blinking or quick movements of the eyes are other possible side effects of metoclopramide.
Tightness in the chest and shortness of breath may occur in some patients taking metoclopramide. A fast, slow or irregular heartbeat may also occur. One of the worst possible metoclopramide side effects is that it could worsen congestive heart failure. People with heart failure symptoms should not be prescribed metoclopramide in most cases.
As metoclopramide has the potential to cause tremors and muscle spasms, people with movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease are usually not prescribed this drug. Metoclopramide side effects can feature tardive dyskinesia, which consists of involuntary muscle movements, particularly in the face such as the jaw or cheeks. Leg and arm muscle spasms in the legs and arms may also occur.
Metoclopramide may also cause swelling of the legs and arms. In some cases, side effects may include finger and joint swelling. Sudden weight gain may also occur when this drug is taken.
Levodopa, a medication often prescribed for Parkinson's patients, may cause interactions with metoclopramide. Acetaminophen, or Tylenol, as well as some allergy and blood pressure medications may also interact with metoclopramide. Metoclopramide may not be able to be prescribed to some diabetics, as the drug may interact with insulin.