Seroquel Side Effects

Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) is the brand name of a drug manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. This drug is prescribed for the treatment of mental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Smaller doses of the drug are also used to treat conditions like insomnia, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. First approved by the FDA in 1997, this is one of the newer versions of antipsychotic drugs, which seemed more promising than the prevalent depression medications. It works by altering the chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin. It lessens the activities of these two neurotransmitters and stabilizes the person's mood.

Side Effects of Seroquel

Since seroquel is capable of conducing to low blood pressure along with dizziness, rapid heartbeat and fainting, the psychiatrist will gradually increase the dose of seroquel. There are different side effects and weight gain, some common and not dangerous, while some require immediate attention.

• Drowsiness
• Increased appetite
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Weight gain
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Stuffy nose
• Nausea
• Blurred Vision
• Disruption in speech and communication
• Upset stomach
• Missed menstrual periods
• Weight gain

Besides these side effects, there are some other severe side effects as well. If one encounters any of the symptoms mentioned below, one should consult the psychiatrist immediately.

• Hives
• Swelling of the throat, lips, face and tongue
• Skin irritation
• Breathing difficulty
• Swallowing difficulty
• Behavioral changes
• Panic attacks
• Anxiety
• Aggressiveness
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Suicidal thoughts
• Fever
• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Profuse sweating
• Confusion
• Severe headache
• Muscle Stiffness
• Seizures

Seroquel, NMS and TD
People taking seroquel are at great risks of getting Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) and tardive dyskinesia (TD). The above symptoms such as profuse sweating, confusion, stiff muscles, high fever, etc. are symptoms of NMS. This is a rare syndrome and can conduce to death. TD on the other hand shows symptoms like uncontrollable movements in one's face, tongue and other body parts.

Seroquel and the Elderly
People who have entering senility and have Philippines dementia, should refrain from taking seroquel. Dementia is a condition in which a person loses his ability to think, remember and reason. Research reveals that seroquel worsened dementia in elderly patients, thus, people with dementia should not be treated with seroquel.

Side Effects in Children
The FDA has only permitted treating teenagers above 18 with seroquel, however, one of the off label uses of seroquel is treating children with mental illnesses. Seroquel is an antidepressant and all antidepressant are linked with increasing risks of suicidal tendencies in children and teenagers. If the child is showing suicidal tendencies, the doctor should look into the matter immediately.

Seroquel and Diabetes
Symptoms like excessive thirst, extreme fatigue, confusion, upset stomach, frequent urination are signs of high blood sugar. This is also a detrimental condition because extremely high blood sugar levels can conduce to coma and death.

Patients who experience these side effects should not suddenly stop the dosage. If this happens, then one will have to deal with the withdrawal symptoms. There is risk of causing more danger to oneself, thus, immediately consult your psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will reduce your dose over the next few weeks. This will reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Moreover, before taking this medication, it is important to inform your psychiatrist about your medical history and whether you suffer from conditions like hypertension, seizures, diabetes, thyroid disorder, epilepsy, etc.

Like all antidepressant medications, seroquel side effects are also many. However, it is not necessary that everybody taking the drug experiences all or any of the above mentioned ones. Moreover, the side effects triggered are only temporary and can be treated.