Seroquel, known generically as quetiapine, is a prescription medication used as an anti-psychotic. Like most medications, however, benefits must be weighed against the potential side effects. Though a rare effect, Seroquel may affect your liver's function. Therefore it is important to talk to your doctor if you have a fatty liver or any other signs of liver damage.
Seroquel
Seroquel changes the way that your brain responds to certain chemicals and can be used to treat people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and can be combined with antidepressants to treat major depressive disorder. Although Seroquel can be very effective, it must be used with caution because it can cause serious side effects, including uncontrollable muscle movements.
Fatty Liver
One of the functions of your liver is to process fats in your body. Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, is the result of fat accumulating in your liver cells. Although this fat accumulation does not damage your liver cells, it can be a sign that your liver is inflamed or damaged. As a result, a fatty liver is a sign that your liver is not working properly and this hepatic dysfunction can eventually progress into liver scarring and cirrhosis.
Seroquel and the Liver
Your doctor may monitor the function of your liver while you are taking Seroquel. This is because Seroquel can cause an increase in the blood levels of enzymes from your liver, which can be a sign of liver damage. Because Seroquel is metabolized by your liver, you should also talk to your doctor if you have a history of liver disease because it could lead to unusually high levels of Seroquel in your body.
Considerations
Fatty liver can be caused by a number of conditions, including alcohol consumption, so having a history of hepatic steatosis does not necessarily mean that you cannot take Seroquel. Serious liver damage, however, can increase your likelihood of developing severe side effects from Seroquel, so be sure to let your doctor know if you have ever had any episodes of jaundice, upper right quadrant pain or other signs of liver disease.
