Seroquel Withdrawal

Seroquel, an antipsychotic medication, is capable of changing the actions of chemicals in the brain, for example, actions of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. It works great for schizophrenia in adults and children (above 13 years) and it is used to lower bipolar disorder (manic depression) symptoms in adults and children (above 10 years). Sometimes it is recommended to take Seroquel in combination with other depression medications, if there is some major depressive disorder in an adult. Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate), a prescription medicine, should be taken under the guidance of a physician. You should not stop taking Seroquel without the permission of your doctor. You should follow a proper withdrawal plan to avoid serious side effects of the medication, that are experienced in case it is discontinued suddenly.

Seroquel Withdrawal Syndrome

Seroquel is not addicting and there are almost no chances of Seroquel abuse but the brain needs time to adjust to a decrease in the levels of Seroquel. The withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Symptoms of schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions)
• Bipolar disorder symptoms (such as mania or depression)
• Fatigue
• Brain zaps
• Loss of appetite
• Fainting
• Cardiac failure
• Shortness of breath
• Fluid build-up in the body tissues causing swelling
• Dehydration
• Trouble swallowing food
• A decreased interest in sex
• Reddened skin, itching
• An inflamed and sore stomach
• Vision problems
• Dysfunction of kidney
• Pain in legs, arms, joints
• Excessive urination
• Unintentional weight loss
• An unusual, usually rapid weight gain
• Feelings of worthlessness and severe depression, suicidal thoughts

The side effects of Seroquel withdrawal are almost same as Seroquel side effects and may not improve with time. Sometimes, signs of the underlying disorder (schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) are misinterpreted as side effects of Seroquel.

Your physician may decide how the doses of Seroquel are to be gradually lowered, to wean you off the drug slowly to avoid symptoms of Seroquel withdrawal, although this may not be necessary in all situations. In case, you are switching to another 'bipolar disorder or schizophrenia' medication, your physician may still plan and implement the policy of stopping Seroquel slowly.

Most patients experience nausea when they discontinue Seroquel. 99% patients may notice nausea while taking or after stopping Seroquel suddenly. Nausea can be mild to severe and may be worsened by riding in a car or walking. Nausea and vomiting are the most common symptoms of Seroquel withdrawal which may last for a few to several days, depending on how long you have been taking Seroquel and how long it has been since you stopped taking it. Headache is experienced by about 98% patients.

So, if you notice any bothersome symptoms of Seroquel withdrawal, even if common symptoms like nausea and vomiting, you should immediately contact your health care provider.