Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is a medication prescribed to decrease migraine-associated nausea and vomiting. It works by blocking signals in the brain that trigger feelings of sickness. It also stimulates the muscles of the stomach and small intestine to speed up the emptying of the stomach. This helps other oral medications you take for migraine relief absorb and start working more quickly.

Be sure to discuss your medical history, current medications, and any concerns with your provider so they can determine whether ondansetron is right for you. It is important to remember that metoclopramide treats migraine-related nausea and vomiting. It will not prevent or treat migraine attacks. Tell your provider if you have a history of epilepsy or seizures, muscle movement problems, tardive dyskinesia, intestinal or stomach issues, an adrenal gland tumor, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, depression, or diabetes.

This medication may cause tardive dyskinesia, a serious movement disorder that can be irreversible. The risk of developing this increases with the duration of treatment and total cumulative dosage. You should avoid using this treatment for longer than 12 weeks given the increased risk of developing tardive dyskinesia with longer-term use. You should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

The most common side effects of metoclopramide are restlessness, drowsiness, fatigue, and lassitude (lack of energy). More serious side effects include tardive dyskinesia, other extrapyramidal effects, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, depression, hypertension, fluid retention, and hyperprolactinemia. If you experience severe side effects, please seek immediate in-person medical care.

It's important to tell your provider if you are taking any other medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or if you have any allergies. If you start using any new medications while taking metoclopramide, let your provider know. Check with your provider before stopping or starting any of your current medicines.

Metoclopramide should not be taken if you are currently taking certain medications for Parkinson’s disease, medications that cause drowsiness, and any other antiemetic medications.

This medication is only intended to treat migraine-related nausea and vomiting. It does not address migraine pain and should not be used to treat migraine headache. You should take metoclopramide as needed when you first experience nausea or vomiting during a migraine attack. If taking it with another medication, your provider may recommend taking it 20-30 minutes before, or right when you take your acute migraine treatment. Always follow your provider’s exact prescribing instructions.