For adults (and children over the age of 10) who suffer from psychotic conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression), Seroquel may be the drug used to treat their condition. It helps relieve the symptoms of these disorders by restoring balance to certain brain chemicals, including dopamine and glutamate. Imbalance of these chemicals is believed to be a cause of schizophrenia. While effective, there are side effects that accompany this medication.
Common Side Effects
These occur in 10 to 44 percent of those who take Seroquel and are, therefore, considered the most common. They include dry mouth, high triglyceride levels, agitation, high total cholesterol levels, constipation, drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, weakness and fatigue.
Less Common Side Effects
While still considered common, these only occur in 2 to 10 percent of patients. They include indigestion, heartburn, increased appetite, nasal congestion, back pain, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), fever, runny nose, vomiting, lethargy, stomach pain, weight gain, sore throat, tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and problems with vision.
Serious Side Effects
According to eMedTV.com, serious side effects occur infrequently but should be reported to your doctor immediately if and when they do. They include fast weight gain, feeling dizzy or fainting upon standing, abnormal muscle movements (which might become permanent if Seroquel is not immediately discontinued), thoughts of suicide and feeling nervous or jittery.
Signs of Diabetes
Seroquel can result in diabetes; this is considered another serious side effect. Signs of this include an increased need to urinate, increased hunger or thirst and high blood sugar levels.
Signs of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Another serious side effect, neuroleptic malignant syndrome is another condition that has severe health repercussions if not treated promptly. Its signs include a high fever, confusion, tachycardia (increased heart rate), an arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm), stiff muscles, irregular blood pressure or pulse, and profuse sweating.
Rare Side Effects
According to eMedTV.com, these are deemed rare because they affect less than 2 percent of those taking Seroquel. They include anemia, an increase or decrease in sex drive, neck pain, increased saliva production, hemorrhoids, migraines, nose bleeds, eczema, dry eyes, low thyroid, grinding of teeth, yeast infections, canker sores, coughing, acne and impotence (the inability to achieve or maintain an erection).
Signs of an Overdose
Call 911 immediately if you experience extreme drowsiness, feel light-headed, have an increased heart rate or begin fainting; these are all possible indications of an overdose. Also, if you notice a swelling (of your lips, tongue, face or throat), find it difficult to breathe or swallow, or develop an unexplained rash, you may be suffering from an allergic reaction to the medication. Seek emergency medical attention for these as well.
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