The idea was suggested to me (by my MD) that a blog/diary might help me feel better by venting my frustrations and struggles with Gastroparesis. Also, I hope I can help others who may have the same thing through my own experiences.
For more information, please email: emilysstomach[at]gmail.com or follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/emilysstomach or like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emilysstomach or Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/emilysstomach
Copyright
“You agree that you will not modify, copy, reproduce, sell, or distribute any content in any manner or medium without permission."
This comes from the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation . I get a lot of questions about medications to help manage Gastroparesis symptoms. I probably will have to break this up into parts, due to how long the articles are and how much research I have done. There is NO CURE for Gastroparesis. Additionally, I have been told that recently. It really depends on what the cause of your Gastroparesis is - like medication that could be slowing your motility, and when you stop the medication, the Gastroparesis goes away. However, that will be another article. Let's go over some medications available for Gastroparesis symptoms.
The site states,
"Gastroparesis
Medications for gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a debilitating stomach disease for which there is no cure. However, there are a few medications for gastroparesis that may help mask symptoms and make life more manageable.
Despite the debilitating nature of the disorder, gastroparesis is sorely lacking in available resources for patients in the way of education and awareness. So, we (successfully) petitioned this year to make August the official gastroparesis awareness month. In our efforts to raise both funds for research and awareness this month, we also wanted to develop some resources that we felt would be an asset to someone who is newly diagnosed.
CDHF worked together with gastroparesis patient and advocate; Jennifer Ouellette, to put together a list of medications for gastroparesis. This detailed and comprehensive list will walk you through each medication, its uses, the potential side effects, and risks, along with some insights from Jennifer herself.
If you’re newly diagnosed and would like a deeper look into what medications for gastroparesis might make an appearance in your treatment plan, feel free to take a read or share with your doctor.
This list of medications for gastroparesis is meant for general information only and is not intended to replace any advice you may have already received from your healthcare practitioner.
Is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for gastroparesis, and usually the first treatment option that is offered. It does pose cardiac risk so it is recommended to have an electrocardiogram before starting and to continue to have cardiac activity monitored while on the medication. It can be used long term but you should be monitored by a doctor while on the medication. It works as an antiemetic and as a gastric prokinetic. It is supposed to help with nausea and vomiting as well as help speed up the gastric emptying time. This is the drug that I was on for 4 times a day for almost 10 years before it stopped working. It kept a lot of my symptoms calm with an occasional flare-up happening every once in a while.
Common Side Effects
breast pain
diarrhea
dry mouth
headache
migraine
nausea
rash
Rare but more serious side effects:
breast milk flowing from the nipple
fast, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
menstrual irregularities
swelling of the breast (males)
Do not take domperidone if you:
are allergic to domperidone or any ingredients of the medication
are taking the medication ketoconazole
are taking medications which cause QT prolongation
have bleeding in the stomach or intestines
have a blockage in the stomach or intestines
have breaks in the lining of the stomach or intestines
have a prolactinoma (a tumour of the pituitary gland)
have uncorrected levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium in your blood
have cardiac disease (e.g., heart failure)
have QT prolongation (a type of irregular heartbeat)
have moderate or severe liver impairment
Metoclopramide (also known as Maxeran or Reglan or Metonia)
Despite some troublesome side effects, Metoclopramide is also one of the more commonly prescribed medications for Gastroparesis. Like Domperidone, it is supposed to help relief nausea, vomiting and also help with speeding up gastric emptying times and also help with reflux. It poses a risk of developing serious side effects such asTardive Dyskenesiaand Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. I was on the liquid form of this medication and started developing neurological twitches that could have turned into Tardive Dyskensia and been permanent. Thankfully for me, they went away after stopping the medication but that is unfortunately not the case for everyone.
Common Side Effects
diarrhea (with high doses)
dizziness
drowsiness
fatigue
restlessness or difficulty sleeping
More serious side effects to watch for:
chills
difficulty speaking or swallowing
dizziness or fainting
fast or irregular heartbeat
fever
a general feeling of tiredness or weakness
headache (severe or continuing)
inability to move eyes
increase in blood pressure
lip smacking or puckering
loss of balance control
mask-like face
muscle spasms of face, neck, and back
puffing of cheeks
rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue
shuffling walk
signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
sore throat
stiffness of arms or legs
tic-like or twitching movements
trembling and shaking of hands and fingers
twisting movements of the body
uncontrolled chewing movements
uncontrolled movements of arms and legs
unusual eye movements
a weakness of arms and legs
Do not take metoclopramide if you:
are allergic to metoclopramide or any of the ingredients of this medication
have a condition where faster passage of materials through the stomach might be dangerous (e.g., in cases of stomach bleeding, or breaks in the stomach lining)
Metoclopramide should not be given to children less than one year of age.
Erythromycin
The same antibiotic that we use to treat bacterial infections also has a use in treating Gastroparesis. It is typically used at a lower dosage, not the same dosing used for antibiotic treatment with the drug. I was told it shouldn’t be used longer than 4 weeks without a break because of side effect risks. It works by helping to stimulate the receptors that assist in making GI contractions and that helps increase motility in the GI tract. This is one of the medications for gastroparesis that was not effective for me when I tried it but I have heard some people have success with it short term.
Common Side Effects:
abdominal or stomach cramping and discomfort
diarrhea
nausea or vomiting
Rare more serious side effects:
confusion
continued diarrhea even after you have finished taking this medication
irregular or fast heartbeat
hallucinations
loss of hearing (temporary)
nausea or vomiting (severe)
ringing in the ear
seizures
skin rash, redness, or itching
stomach pain (severe)
symptoms of liver damage (e.g., yellow skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, or itching)
unusual tiredness or weakness
vertigo
Erythromycin should not be taken by anyone who:
is allergic to erythromycin, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
is allergic to clarithromycin or other macrolide antibacterial agents
is pregnant
has preexisting liver disease or dysfunction
Cisapride (Propulsid)
This is one of the medications for gastroparesis that has been banned in many countries. It is still available to my knowledge in Canada through Health Canada Special Access program. It is severely restricted because of the risk of rare but serious cardiac events associated with the drug. Cisapride works as a gastric prokinetic agent increasing the motility in the GI tract.
Common Side Effects
Constipation
Diarrhea
Stomach Cramps
Drowsiness
Nausea
Headaches
Low Energy
Rare serious Side effects
Bronchospasm
Complete Stoppage Of The Heart
Confused
Depression
Giant Hives
Hallucination
Prolonged QT Interval On EKG
Seizures
Very Rapid Heartbeat – Torsades De Pointes
Discharge Of Milk In Men Or Women When Not Breastfeeding
Enlarged Breasts
Hives
Increased Prolactin In The Blood
Problems With Bladder Control
Prucalopride (Resotran, Resolor)
This is one of the medications for gastroparesis that was part of the clinical trials held in Calgary. It is primarily used as a drug to help treat chronic constipation in women. It has been used by a lot of people in our (Canadians Eh!: Canadians with Gastroparesis) Facebook spport group, including myself. Some people have responded very well to Resotran. It worked great for me for about 6-7 months and then it stopped working. It helped speed up emptying times for me but the trade-off was a great deal of diarrhea.
Most common side effects:
abdominal pain
back pain
diarrhea
dizziness
enlargement of abdomen or stomach
fatigue
headache
heartburn
gas
loss of appetite
nausea
sinusitis
stomach upset
tiredness
vomiting
Rare but serious side effects:
abnormal heart rhythms (such as fast or slow heart rate, palpitations)
chest pain
migraine
pounding, rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
Do not take this medication if you:
are allergic to prucalopride or any ingredients of this medication
have kidney disease that requires dialysis
have serious problems with your digestive system, such as a tear in the wall of the digestive system, a blockage in the digestive system, or inflammatory disease of the intestine such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
have galactose intolerance or glucose malabsorption (a rare hereditary disease)
Ondasetron (Zofran)
This is probably one of the more common antiemetic medications for gastroparesis that is prescribed. It is a drug that is used most often to treat nausea and vomiting associated with chemo or radiation in cancer patients. Many Gastroparesis patients including myself (until they no longer worked) find that this drug works well to help with nausea.
Common Side effects
constipation
flushing or feeling warm
low blood pressure
unusual tiredness or weakness
Rare more serious side effects
blurred vision
difficulty moving or abnormal body movement
dizziness
pain, redness, or burning at place of injection
rapid pounding heartbeat
Do not take this medication if you:
are allergic to ondansetron or any ingredients of the medication
are taking the medication apomorphine
Promethazine (Phenergan)
It is an antihistamine used to treat allergies, nausea, and trouble sleeping. They use this medication a lot to help women with morning sickness during pregnancy. I have used it a few times for nausea and it works decently.
Common Side Effects:
drowsiness, dizziness;
ringing in your ears;
double vision;
feeling nervous;
dry mouth; or
tired feeling, sleep problems (insomnia).
Rare severe Side effects:
severe drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing;
a light-headed feeling, like you, might pass out;
confusion, agitation, hallucinations, nightmares;
seizure (convulsions);
fast or slow heartbeats;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip-smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing; or
very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.
It is a new drug being trialed currently with diabetic Gastroparesis patients here in Canada. As I have idiopathic Gastroparesis I have not had a chance to trial this drug as of yet.
I don’t have a list of side effects yet as they are still testing the drug. The studies have been promising. Showing so far that there have been no cardiac or neurological side effects which would mean it could potentially be a safer option than some of the other medications out there currently.
This seems to be hit or miss among patients who have tried it. My specialist said for my personal case my Gastroparesis it is too severe and it wouldn’t be worth it. As I am not incredibly familiar with how it all works, so here is the official description of its use in cases of gastroparesis:
'While the patient is sedated, the physician will advance a scope through the esophagus, stomach, and the pyloric sphincter. Botox is injected into the pyloric sphincter in an effort to relax that muscle, enabling food to empty from the stomach more easily. It takes approximately 15-30 minutes.
The effects of the botox may be felt immediately or may take some time to begin working. Complications from the procedure include nausea and vomiting from sedatives. Although rare, some report bleeding, perforation of the esophagus, fever, or severe vomiting.
Botox injections are not a permanent solution and usually last no more than 6 months. Repeat injections do not always produce the same results.'
Linaclotide (Constella)
It is used to treat IBS-C and to treat chronic (long-term) constipation. It seems to be commonly prescribed for Gastroparesis patients who experience chronic constipation as well. It is usually my go-to medication when I am having issues with constipation and while it causes a bit more pain and bloating it does help with relieving constipation.
Common Side Effects:
loating (swelling or feeling of fullness in your abdomen)
diarrhea
nausea
passing gas
vomiting
Rare Side effects:
new or worsening abdominal pain
severe diarrhea (persistent watery stools)
Nabilone (synthetic cannabinoids)
Used to treat severe nausea. I know some people in the group have tried this as they can get their insurance to cover the pill form of synthetic cannabinoids but no coverage for actual cannabis. I cannot speak personally about this one as I use actual Medical Cannabis to treat my symptoms.
More Common Side effects:
blurred vision or any changes in vision
clumsiness or unsteadiness
confusion
dizziness or light-headedness, especially when rising from a lying or sitting position (more common with high doses)
drowsiness
dry mouth
headachee
loss of appetite
loss of muscular coordination
nightmares
Rare more serious side effects:
changes in mood (including a false sense of well-being)
confusion
convulsions (seizures)
delusions
depression
dizziness or fainting
fast or pounding heartbeat
hallucinations
nervousness or anxiety
sensation disturbance (unusual sensations or changes in sensations)
Is one of the most effective medications for gastroparesis, as far as managing symptoms go. Everyone is going to be different and Cannabis may or may not work for everyone. Finding strains that have proper terpenes to help digestive issues, like Limonene is important when trying to find the best strains to help. This study may be of interest as it is newer research. Hopefully, more research and some clinical trials can happen soon!
With the help of people like YOU, we can raise money and awareness for gastroparesis. Hopefully, in time, new, more effective medications for gastroparesis can be found. Perhaps even a cure!
If you’re interested in helping us work towards abolishing this terrible disorder, please head over to cdhf.ca/donation/ today and make a contribution!"
There are more articles I would like to include about Cannabis and Gastropareis. I know that I have written articles on it before. For more information, please consult these links below:
Manouchehr Saljoughian, PharmD, PhD Department of Pharmacy Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Berkeley, California
US Pharm. 2019;44(2):32-34.
Gastroparesis is a chronic disorder that affects a significant subset of the population. Ordinarily, strong muscular contractions move food through the digestive tract. In gastroparesis, this mechanism is disrupted, and undigested food stays in the abdomen for a long time and makes a person feel nauseous with the urge to vomit. Gastroparesis can also cause a lack of appetite, which may lead to malnutrition, and patients who are not eating can expect discomfort, bloating, and heartburn.1
The pathophysiology behind gastroparesis is varied and depends on disease etiology. Vagal and/or autonomic neuropathy play an important role in the development of diabetic gastroparesis, and it is estimated to occur in up to 20% to 40% of patients with diabetes. Gastroparesis can cause problems with blood sugar levels and nutrition. Sometimes, it is a complication of diabetes, and some people may develop gastroparesis after surgery. Although there is no cure for gastroparesis, changes to the diet, along with medication, can offer some relief.1,2
Certain medications, such as some antidepressants, opioid pain relievers, and high blood pressure and allergy medications, can lead to slow gastric emptying and cause similar symptoms. For people who already have gastroparesis, these medications may make their condition worse. Women are more likely to develop gastroparesis than men, and it is reported that many people with gastroparesis do not have any noticeable signs or symptoms.1 In this article, we briefly review the symptoms, causes, complications, and management of gastroparesis.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of gastroparesis include a feeling of fullness after eating just a few bites, vomiting undigested food eaten a few hours earlier, acid reflux, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, changes in blood sugar levels, lack of appetite, and weight loss.3
Causes and Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that are considered to play a role in the condition’s cause, such as vagus-nerve damage. The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body and is responsible for many functions. It is especially essential for proper operation of the digestive tract. If the vagus nerve is damaged, transfer of food from the abdomen to the small intestine is reduced because the muscles will not operate properly.4
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are known to damage the vagus nerve. Some autoimmune diseases and virus infections (e.g., HIV) are also believed to have a negative impact on the vagus nerve. In certain cases, the vagus nerve stops working properly due to drinking excessive alcohol. Surgical complications could also affect the vagus nerve.4
Other factors that can increase the risk of gastroparesis include abdominal or esophageal surgery, infection (usually a virus), certain medications that slow the rate of stomach emptying (such as narcotic pain medications), nervous system diseases (such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis) and hypothyroidism.4 Complications resulting from gastroparesis are shown in TABLE 1.
Treatment of gastroparesis depends on the cause, the severity of symptoms and complications, and how well patients respond to different treatments. As a result, the main goals of treatment for gastroparesis are alleviation of symptoms, correction of malnutrition, and resumption of adequate oral intake of liquids and solids. Patients with severe nausea and vomiting might require hospitalization for IV fluid and electrolyte replacement, and IV-administered prokinetic and/or antiemetic drugs might be needed initially.5
Sometimes, treating the cause may stop the problem. If diabetes is causing gastroparesis, patients must control their blood glucose levels. Acute hyperglycemia may impair gastric motor function as well as inhibit the action of prokinetic drugs, such as erythromycin. In patients with type 1 diabetes, gastroparesis can be an indication for insulin-pump therapy.5
Most physicians recommend that patients have a low-fat and low-fiber diet, eat smaller portions frequently during the day, chew food properly, eat well-cooked food, avoid alcohol and carbonated water, and drink plenty of water.
Medication Therapy
Initial management of gastroparesis consists of dietary modification, optimization of glycemic control and hydration, and in patients with continued symptoms, pharmacologic therapy with prokinetics and antiemetics.
Metoclopramide: This first-line therapy for gastroparesis is a dopamine 2 receptor antagonist, a 5-HT4 agonist, and a weak 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. It improves gastric emptying by enhancing gastric antral contractions and decreasing postprandial fundus relaxation.6
Metoclopramide is also used short-term to treat heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux in people who have used other medications without symptom relief. Dosage is 10 mg to 15 mg orally up to four times a day, 30 minutes before each meal and at bedtime. Depending upon symptoms being treated and clinical response, dosage will be different. It is commonly used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting.6
Erythromycin: This macrolide antibiotic has been available since the 1950s. It is rarely used as an antibiotic today and is primarily prescribed for its “prokinetic” effect on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It has been used successfully off-label for the treatment of gastroparesis and other GI hypomotility disorders. When erythromycin was used as an antibiotic, patients often complained that it caused abdominal pain. Researchers eventually determined that erythromycin stimulates motilin receptors in the GI tract. Motilin receptors stimulate GI contractions and result in increased GI motility. This medicine also increases stomach-muscle contraction and may improve gastric emptying.7
Both oral and IV erythromycin have been used for its prokinetic effect. The IV form is generally reserved for acute conditions. The oral form is usually given in lower dosages than required for antibiotic effects (i.e., 150 mg-250 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day given 30 minutes before a meal). The oral form has been shown to work rapidly and can be substituted when the IV form is unavailable.7
Domperidone:This medication is used to treat nausea and vomiting as well as complaints of the stomach that occur with delayed emptying. It is usedin patients whose symptoms fail to respond to metoclopramide or with side effects to metoclopramide. Domperidone is a dopamine 2 antagonist and is available for use only under a special program administered by the FDA. Each film-coated tablet contains 10-mg domperidone base. It should be taken 15 to 30 minutes before meals and, if necessary, before sleep. If taken after meals, absorption is somewhat delayed. Domperidone is taken by adults and adolescents aged 12 years or older.8
Cisapride: This 5-HT4 agonist stimulates antral and duodenal motility and accelerates gastric emptying of solids and liquids, which, in open-label trials, has been maintained for up to 1 year. Although cisapride is better tolerated than metoclopramide, its use has been associated with important drug interactions with medications metabolized by the cytochrome P450-3A4 isoenzyme (e.g., macrolide antibiotics, antifungals, and phenothiazines), resulting in cardiac arrhythmias. In the United States, prescriptions for cisapride can only be filled through an investigational limited-access program from the manufacturer after providing documentation as to the patient’s need for cisapride and assessment of risk factors for cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., a QTc >450 ms).9
Antiemetics: Antiemetics are medicines that help relieve nausea and vomiting. Prescription antiemetics include ondansetron, prochlorperazine, and promethazine. Over-the-counter antiemetic medications include bismuth subsaliclate and diphenhydramine. Antiemetics do not improve gastric emptying. In addition, they have not been studied in the management of patients with gastroparesis, and their use in gastroparesis is based on their efficacy in controlling nonspecific nausea and vomiting and in chemotherapy-induced emesis. Diphenhydramine 12.5 mg to 25 mg is given orally or IV every 6 to 8 hours as needed and in patients with persistent symptoms. Ondansetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, is given 4 mg to 8 mg orally three times daily. Prolongation of the QT interval and central side effects have limited the use of phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine, to patients who remain symptomatic despite antihistamines and 5-HT3 antagonists.1,4,10
Tricyclic Antidepressants: Low-dose nortriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant with low anticholinergic effects, has been demonstrated to decrease symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in patients with diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis. Certain antidepressants, such as mirtazapine, may help relieve nausea and vomiting. These medicines may not improve gastric emptying.11
Pain Medicines: Pain medicines that are not narcotic may reduce pain in the abdomen due to gastroparesis.
Gastric Electrical Stimulation: This procedure may be considered for compassionate treatment in patients with refractory symptoms, particularly nausea and vomiting with persisting symptoms despite antiemetic and prokinetic drug therapy for at least 1 year. Gastric electrical stimulation has been demonstrated to improve symptom severity and gastric emptying in patients with diabetes but not idiopathic or postsurgical gastroparesis. In the U.S., the gastric electrical neurostimulator has been approved as a humanitarian exemption device for diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis.12
REFERENCES
1. Camilleri M, Parkman HP, Shafi MA, et al. Clinical guideline: management of gastroparesis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2013;108:18-37. 2. Wytiaz V, Homko C, Duffy F, et al. Foods provoking and alleviating symptoms in gastroparesis: patient experiences. Dig Dis Sci. 2015;60:1052-1058. 3. Homko CJ, Duffy F, Friedenberg FK, et al. Effect of dietary fat and food consistency on gastroparesis symptoms in patients with gastroparesis. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2015;27:501-508. 4. Type 2 diabetes and gastroparesis. www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/gastroparesis. Accessed August 2018. 5. Parkman HP, Yates KP, Hasler WL, et al. Dietary intake and nutritional deficiencies in patients with diabetic or idiopathic gastroparesis. Gastroenterology. 2011;141:486-498. 6. Rao AS, Camilleri M. Review article: metoclopramide and tardive dyskinesia. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2010;31:11-19. 7. Maganti K, Onyemere K, Jones MP. Oral erythromycin and symptomatic relief of gastroparesis: a systematic review. Am J Gastroenterol. 2003;98:259-263. 8. Sugumar A, Singh A, Pasricha PJ. A systematic review of the efficacy of domperidone for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008;6:726-733. 9. Abell TL, Camilleri M, DiMagno EP, et al. Long-term efficacy of oral cisapride in symptomatic upper gut dysmotility. Dig Dis Sci. 1991;36:616-620. 10. Youssef AS, Parkman HP, Nagar S. Drug-drug interactions in pharmacologic management of gastroparesis. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2015;27:1528-1541. 11. Prakash C, Lustman PJ, Freedland KE, Clouse RE. Tricyclic antidepressants for functional nausea and vomiting: clinical outcome in 37 patients. Dig Dis Sci. 1998;43:1951-1956. 12. Heckert J, Sankineni A, Hughes WB, et al. Gastric electric stimulation for refractory gastroparesis: a prospective analysis of 151 patients at a single center. Dig Dis Sci. 2016;61:168-175.
Researchers are continuing to investigate new medications to treat gastroparesis.
One example is a new drug in development called Relamorelin. The results of a phase II trial found the drug could speed up gastric emptying and reduce vomiting. The drug is not yet approved in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but a larger clinical trial is currently underway.
A number of new therapies are being tried with the help of endoscopy — a procedure done with a slender tube (endoscope) that's threaded down the esophagus.
One procedure, known as endoscopic pyloromyotomy (gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy, or G-POEM), involves making an incision in the valve or muscular ring between the stomach and small intestine called the pylorus. A channel is then opened from the stomach to the small intestine. This is a relatively recent procedure that shows promise, though additional research is needed.
Another type of endoscopic procedure involves placing a small tube (stent) where the stomach connects to the small intestine (duodenum) to keep this connection open.
Gastric electrical stimulation and pacing
In gastric electrical stimulation, a surgically implanted device provides electrical stimulation to the stomach muscles to move food more efficiently. Study results have been mixed. However, the device seems to be most helpful for people with diabetic gastroparesis.
The FDA allows the device to be used under a compassionate use exemption for those who can't control their gastroparesis symptoms with diet changes or medications.
Clinical trials
Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this disease.
Lifestyle and home remedies
If you're a smoker, stop. Your gastroparesis symptoms are less likely to improve over time if you keep smoking.
Alternative medicine
Some complementary and alternative therapies have been used to treat gastroparesis, including acupuncture. Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. During electroacupuncture, a small electrical current is passed through the needles. Studies have shown these treatments may ease gastroparesis symptoms more than a sham treatment."
This is my first article in a series I am going to write for my blog articles but also, podcasts too. I apologize it has been so long since I have recorded a podcast, but my husband has needed my set up to work from home. I attached some links to articles that I have written (in bold), as well as the credit to the images.
The next article will be what medications slow down motility, and what to avoid, if possible. I am not a doctor, so please consult your doctor if you want to try any of the medications. If you have a blog article/podcast idea, please email me: emilysstomach@gmail.com. Additionally, if you would like to share ANY of your experiences with the medications above, please email that to me as well. I like adding personal stories with my research.
I cannot take Reglan AT ALL! When I started taking it, my hands shook so badly, I could not even hold a cup. I stopped immediately and called my doctor. It can cause irreversible neurological side effects. I probably should have called him before I stopped, but be VERY careful. If you take other medications, please make sure you talk with your pharmacist to make sure you will not have any drug interactions.
For more information, please visit the following websites: