Seroquel is an anti-psychotic medication prescribed to treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Drugs.com explains that Seroquel works by changing the way chemicals in the brain behave. Psychological counseling or monitoring of progress often accompanies treatment with Seroquel. As with any medication, Seroquel has the risk of side effects.
Less Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com indicates that most individuals experience few, if any side effects. The most common side effects are mostly harmless, including dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, dry mouth, nasal dripping, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, blurred vision, headache, anxiety, agitation, swelling or discharge of the breasts, menstrual cycle irregularities and/or weight gain. RxList.com also lists these side effects: weight gain, rhinitis, rash, backaches and vomiting.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com indicates that users who experience more serious effects from Seroquel should seek medical attention. These symptoms include high fever, flu-like symptoms, white lesions in the mouth, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive weakness, urinating less than usual or not at all. Numbness, weakness or tingling on one side of the body can also accompany the use of Seroquel. SeroquelXR.com describes these serious side effects to be a rare, but potentially fatal hazard known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). SeroquelXR.com also points out that some individuals experience an increase in blood sugar, diabetes, cholesterol or triglycerides.
Complications
Some individuals may experience suicidal thoughts when they first begin Seroquel treatment. SeroquelXR.com points out that this is usually more common in younger patients. Other serious hazards of Seroquel , as pointed out by Drugs.com, include fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, irregular heartbeat, involuntary muscle movements, sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache and/or problems with vision, speech or balance. RxList.com says some individuals may experience mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, sleeping problems, impulsive thoughts or behavior, irritability, agitation, hostility, aggressive behavior or thoughts, restlessness, mental or physical hyperactivity, or increased depression including thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
Individuals with dementia-related psychotic conditions should not use Seroquel due to the risk of heart failure, death or pneumonia, warns Drugs.com.
Member Comments