Seroquel Oral – effects & Side Effects

Seroquel, a drug used for the treatment of bipolar disorders and schizophrenia recently came under the scrutiny due to the severe side effects associated with the use of drug. There are several cases of adverse side effects reported by the patients taking Seroquel. Additionally, there are reports of diabetes and high sugar levels associated with the use of Seroquel and other drugs belonging to this group of drugs. There are reports of severe side effects such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome or NMS. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is characterized by high fever and muscle rigidity.

Another adverse side effect associated with the use of Seroquel is Tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable movements). Prolong use of psychotropics and neuroleptic drugs causes’ neurological syndrome called Tardive dyskinesia. Purposeless, involuntary and repetitive movements characterize it. Pursing and puckering, grimacing, lip smacking, rapid eye blinking and tongue protrusion are features of this disorder. At times rapid movement of legs, arms and trunk occurs. Involuntary movement of fingers reflects as if a patient is playing a guitar or piano. Tardive dyskinesia is commonly found in older people, especially women.

Following are the common side effects related with the use of Seroquel:

• Sore throat
• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Abnormal liver tests
• Vomiting
• Sudden weight gain
• Indigestion
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Thinning of nails or hair
• Dry mouth
• Lack of energy
• Drop in blood pressure while standing
• Weakness
• Headache

Some side effects of Seroquel are serious and patients suffering from any of the following symptoms should immediately consult a doctor:

• Change in vision
• Rashes
• Stiff muscles
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Seizures
• Flu like symptoms
• Excessive sweating
• Yellowing of the eye or skin
• Uncontrollable of the shaking of the hands
• Fever
• Pain in the upper right side of the stomach
• Painful erection of penis lasting for hours
• Irregular or fast heartbeat
• Fainting

It is impossible to predict the side effects of any drug. Confusion, rapid heartbeat, high fever, muscle stiffness and excessive sweating are few serious and life threatening reactions of Seroquel. Patients with a history of heart failure, heart attack, circulation problems, heart disease and irregular heartbeat are at an increased risk of Seroquel side effects.

Individuals above the age of 65 or who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or epilepsy are at a higher risk of seizures. Use of this drug suppresses under active thyroid leading to minor increase in the cholesterol levels.

Individuals who have suffered from the fatal side effects of Seroquel may be eligible for compensation for the damage, pain and suffering caused to them. They may seek the advice of an experienced unsafe drug attorney who will assist in filing a lawsuit against the manufacturers of Seroquel.

Seroquel, Mental Illnesses Treatment Drug

In the past few years, many drugs have been developed to treat the patients suffering from several mental illnesses. Seroquel is one such drug, used for the treatment of mental illness.  Astra Zeneca manufactures it. Seroquel is a prescription drug for managing the symptoms of manic episodes related with bipolar disorder like delusions, hallucinations or mental preoccupations and schizophrenia, which are beyond the patient’s control. Bipolar disorder is a severe mental illness affecting three to four percent of the world’s adult population and is one of the major causes of disability in the world.

Unlike other super drugs, accurate mechanism that allows Seroquel to work for the patients suffering from schizophrenia is unknown. Seroquel concentrates on the particular areas of the brain secreting neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. These two chemicals regulate the response of the nervous system to environmental stimuli.  Few mental disorders are caused by the increased levels of these neurotransmitters. It is said that Serotonin causes an “antagonistic” effect on some serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain. This allows the chemicals to function and flow normally in the body.

In January 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Seroquel for the commercial use. It is also prescribed as off the label drug. It means that doctors could prescribe it for the treatment of conditions beyond the treatment of diseases approved by the FDA.

Following are the few conditions for which the Seroquel is used for the treatment:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Sleep disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• General anxiety disorders
• Depressive episodes linked to the bipolar disorder

Use of Seroquel has an antagonistic effect at the histamine receptor producing a sedative effect. Because of this reason, doctors prescribe Seroquel for several sleep disorders including insomnia.

Seroquel belongs to a group of medicines called “psychotropics.” Although Seroquel has proven to be effective in treating the signs and symptoms of various psychological disorders, there have been incidences of severe side effects among the patients taking this drug.

However, use of Seroquel and other drugs belonging to its group have been associated with diabetes and high blood sugar levels. Patients suffering from diabetes or those who have family history of diabetes should consult their doctor before beginning with the drug. Following are the symptoms of high sugar levels:

• Overeating
• Excessive thirst
• Blurry vision
• Increased urination

Complications resulting from the high blood sugar levels is life threatening. Patients taking Seroquel are advised to contact their doctors for alternative treatments.