Which drug can reverse the side effects of Itopride, such as tense shoulders, neck, and headaches?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have recently been prescribed Itopride tablets to increase my gut motility. Though it helped a little in motility, at the same time, it caused tense shoulders, neck, and headaches. As I understand, it is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and works similarly to many known nerve agents like tablets Sarin and Novichok. However, I stopped taking medicine ten days ago, and my symptoms hardly improved. Is there anything I can take to reverse the effects of inhibited acetylcholinesterase?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and can understand your concern. Itopride is a prokinetic, which means it increases gut motility. It has two actions: acetylcholine esterase inhibition and dopamine receptor antagonism. Acetylcholine esterase inhibition activity increases the body's acetylcholine enzyme, which relaxes the muscle. The antagonism (blocking) effect can cause unusual tremors and muscle tightness. Better not to continue for an extended period continuously, which even cause hormonal issues (prolactin release). I suppose tense shoulders and neck are due to the blocking effect. Within a few days, the adverse effects could disappear. If not, I suggest a tablet of Levodopa. Please consult a specialist doctor, discuss with them and start taking the medications with their consent. To overcome the anticholinesterase inhibition activity-related side effects, we need to block the receptors using anticholinergic drugs. But Itopride's adverse effects are reversible, without any medications. If not reversing, you better consult a physician for any other issues. I hope this helps. Thank you and take care.