Also known under its generic name quetiapine, Seroquel is an anti-psychotic medication that alters the actions of chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin. It is prescribed to treat symptoms associated with psychotic conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in adults and children older than 10. Seroquel has a host of side effects ranging from mild to severe and even permanent. Educate yourself about this medication and its side effects, which will allow you to weigh the benefits against its potential dangers.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is described by the Bernstein Liebhard Consumer Inury Law Practice as a "life-threatening neurological disorder" that can be caused by decreased dopamine levels in the brain as a result of Seroquel use. Although NMS and Seroquel use is rare, according to HealthCentral.com, symptoms include fever, rigid or stiff muscles, fast heartbeat, increased sweating, and mood changes.
Tardive Dyskinesia
Although rare, Seroquel has caused permanent tardive dyskinesia, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, whose website describes it as a condition in which the body engages in slow or jerky movements that are out of one's control. Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia include grimacing, lip sucking and smacking, and other face, leg or arm movements beyond your control. Patients with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
Diabetes
Seroquel can more than triple a patient's risk of developing diabetes, according to the New York Law Firm Oshman & Mirisola. Drugs.com corroborates this claim, stating on its site that Seroquel may cause your blood sugar levels to elevate, a condition known as hyperglycemia and a primary side effect of diabetes. Talk to your doctor if you become excessively thirsty or hungry, if you need to urinate more frequently than normal, or if you feel weak. Diabetics who take Seroquel must be vigilant in checking their blood sugar levels frequently.
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