Seroquel, the brand name of quetiapine, is a prescription medication used for the treatment of schizophrenia and both the depressive and manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Stalevo is a name brand drug composed of levodopa, carbidopa and entacapone, used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Seroquel is aimed at reducing the amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine found in the brain. In contrast, Parkinson's disease is caused by a decrease in dopamine, and medication is aimed at increasing the levels. Therefore, these medications lead to adverse effects if given together.
Decreased Effect
Seroquel blocks the action of dopamine in the brain and may decrease the effect of Stalevo in the body. Drugs.com explains that there is a moderate interaction between the two drugs, and using them at the same time should be avoided. If therapy with both medications is necessary, the physician must monitor the patient closely.
Hypotension
Hypotension, or blood pressure below normal, may occur with the use of these medications. According to the "Drug Information Handbook," Seroquel may produce hypotension in about 3 percent of patients. Stalevo also produces hypotension, although the frequency is not defined. Both medications may produce orthostatic hypotension, which is hypotension that occurs upon rising too quickly. The patient should rise slowly and use caution when performing activities that require alertness. When the medications are combined, the hypotensive effects are additive and may produce severe dizziness and feelings of faintness. If the patient experiences these symptoms, he should speak with a health care professional.
Behavior Changes
Seroquel and Stalevo use may result in anxiety, nervousness, agitation, confusion and impaired memory. The combination of the two drugs may cause these side effects to occur more frequently or more severely. Patients may require dose adjustment or discontinuation of one of the drugs.
Increased Brain Depression
Combining Seroquel and Stalevo may increase the depressant effects on the brain, meaning that the medications may slow down the functions of the brain. The side effects seen include dizziness, sleepiness, slurred speech, sluggishness, fatigue and impaired coordination. These medications may produce these side effects in more than 10 percent of patients, reports the "Drug Information Handbook." If these adverse reactions become severe, the patient should contact a physician.
Extrapyramidal Symptoms
Extrapyramidal symptoms are movement disorders that include restlessness, involuntary muscle contractions, tremor in the hands, rigidity, gait abnormality and uncontrollable speech. Parkinson's disease may produce extrapyramidal symptoms, and medications such as Stalevo are used to prevent the worsening of these symptoms. Seroquel may produce these symptoms in up to 13 percent of individuals, or worsen preexisting extrapyramidal symptoms. Patients should be monitored for these adverse reactions, and the dose should be adjusted accordingly.
References
- Drugs.com: Drug interactions between Seroquel and Stalevo 50
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
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