Side Effects Of Seroquel In Kids

Seroquel, or quetiapine, is an "atypical" antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. It is also sometimes used in the treatment of autism, though this use is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The "atypical" component indicates that Seroquel does not have the types of side effects associated with older, typical antipsychotics; however, children taking this medication are at risk for experiencing many different side effects.

Side Effects Related to the Heart

The online medical reference UpToDate reports that increased blood pressure is a significant concern in children taking this medication, as up to 41 percent may experience an elevated diastolic blood pressure, which is the second number in a blood pressure reading. Systolic blood pressure, the first number in a blood pressure measurement, may also increase, and up to 15 percent of children and teens develop this side effect. Low blood pressure may also occur, though, according to the pharmacology reference MicroMedex, this side effect is rare in children, occurring in less than 1 percent of cases.

Side Effects Related to Metabolism and Hormones

Seroquel commonly results in the side effect of weight gain, and, according to the UpToDate, between 3and 23 percent of children on Seroquel experience this side effect. Interestingly, the prescribing information included with Seroquel reports a number of 5 to 6 percent. Cholesterol and fat levels may also be impacted by taking Seroquel. Specifically, children may have elevated levels of total cholesterol, as well as LDL, or bad cholesterol. This side effect occurs in up to 18 percent and up to 17 percent of patients, respectively. Triglycerides, or fats in the blood, may also reach abnormally high levels in approximately 8 to 22 percent of patients. Finally, high blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia, may develop in 2 to 12 percent of cases.

Side Effects Related to the Digestive System

Xerostomia, which is a dry mouth due to decreased production of saliva, is also extremely common. Up to 44 percent of children may experience this annoyance. Nausea and vomiting are less common, with about 6 to 7 percent of children reporting these effects. About 4 to 7 percent of pediatric patients on Seroquel may experience abdominal pain while taking Seroquel. Finally, constipation is a rare but annoying, and potential painful, side effect. According to MicroMedex, this side effect occurs in about 2 percent of children on Seroquel.

Side Effects Related to the Brain and Central Nervous System

Some children--up to about 14 percent--may find themselves feeling more fatigued than usual. Moreover, the Seroquel website for health professionals reports that nearly 60 percent of children will find themselves much sleepier than usual. This is especially concerning given that children and teens need to be able to function during a school day. Headaches are also a frequent complaint in patients taking Seroquel, and up to 21 percent of patients report this concern. Dizziness and agitation are a little less common, but are a real concern for the 20 percent of patients who suffer from this side effect. Other, less frequent side effects that may occur include confusion, uncontrollable movements of the arms or legs, impaired coordination, or fevers. Fortunately, these more serious effects occur less than 5 percent of the time. Finally, a very rare possible side effect is that of suicidal thoughts, in which a child or adolescent taking Seroquel starts thinking about suicide. This potential side effect is so serious that Seroquel carries a "black box" warning, which is the most serious type of warning that can be placed on the label of a prescription medication. It is important to note that the possibility of suicidal thoughts does not mean that a child on Seroquel will commit suicide, nor does it mean that he should not take Seroquel. It does, however, mean that children on Seroquel should be observed closely--by parents, teachers, and physicians--to make sure this rare, but potentially tragic, side effect does not occur.