Seroquel is the brand name for the generic atypical anti-psychotic medication quetiapine, which is sometimes prescribed to treat bipolar depressive episodes in adolescents. Bipolar disorder features extreme mood swings, from depressive lows to giddy highs, that can lead to suicidal behaviors, especially in hormonally imbalanced adolescents. The side effects listed could also occur in adults. Side effects in adolescents are grouped in common, less common, rare, minor (not needing medical attention) and overdose (needing emergency medical attention) designations.
Common
Common side effects include cold sweats and chills. The patient may experience mental confusion and disorientation. She may also appear tired and exhibit drowsiness even after adequate sleep. When quickly standing up, the patient may also feel dizzy or giddy.
Less Common
Less-common side effects include blurring vision and difficulty in swallowing. The patient may also have black, tarry stools or difficult urination. Speech patterns may change or be slurred and the patient may appear restless, lose balance easily, seem to lose muscle control and be unable to sit still or have unusually slowed movement or a shuffling walk. Chest pain, sore throat and a cough, muscle aches, painful urination, stiffness in arms and legs, swollen glands and swollen extremities are all possible. Unusual drooling, lip or tongue movements, puffing out cheeks or facial lack of expression, lack of eye movements or increased blinking and eyelid spasms are other less-common side effects. The patient may develop a fever or ulcers, or white sores, on her lips or inside her mouth. Shortness of breath is possible, as well as unusual sweating or trembling. Unusual bleeding, bruising and weakness are also possible side effects.
Rare
Extremely rare side effects include weight gain or, conversely, loss of appetite and therefore weight loss. Also listed as rare side effects are dry skin and heart rhythm changes. In female patients, there may be changes in menstrual cycles and secretion of breastmilk.
Minor
Minor side effects are those that probably needn't involve medical attention. They include headaches, constipation, heartburn and nausea. These side effects might be attributed in part to the body adjusting to the medication during the first few days of taking the medication and may disappear.
Signs of Overdose
Signs of overdose are serious, and medical attention should be immediately sought. These signs include convulsions (seizures), mouth dryness, extreme thirst, mood changes, muscle cramps and tingling in hands and feet.
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