Gastroparesis
Another way of describing gastroparesis is delayed or abnormal gastric emptying. Gastro means stomach. Paresis means weakness. Gastroparesis is a weak stomach. This condition is common and probably under-diagnosed. It can be the cause of a number of abdominal complaints.
Several medications are now available to stimulate the stomach to contract more normally. These drugs should be taken 20-40 minutes before eating to allow enough time for the drug to get into the blood stream where they can then act on the stomach. They all cause the stomach to contract more often and, hopefully, more vigorously thereby emptying the stomach and reducing symptoms.
Domperidome (Motilin) is effective and available from Canada with little difficulty.
Metoclopramide (Reglan) has a high incidence of side effects including restlessness, fatigue, symptoms of Parkinsonism, agitation and depression. The dose for this older drug is 5-20 mg. This drug is available in generic form.
Bethanechol (Urecholine) and erythromycin, an old antibiotic are occasionally used but generally are not effective or desirable long-term.
There are other newer drugs in the research pipeline that promise to be even more effective than those that are now available.
Gastroparesis is a fairly frequent medical problem. While causing distressing symptoms in some patients, it rarely causes serious medical problems. The diagnosis is now straightforward. Treatment consists of treating any underlying problem, diet and medications. By working with the physician, most patients are able to reach a satisfactory treatment program.