Seroquel (quetiapine) is a medication used to manage such psychotic mental conditions as schizophrenia (a condition in which you develop abnormal thoughts and perceptions) and bipolar disorder (a condition in which you suffer mood swings). Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic medication that works to alter the the neurotransmitters (chemicals) in your brain. Typically, you will take 300mg of Seroquel daily or as your doctor prescribes.
Common Side Effects
In a placebo-controlled study of 951 patients taking Seroquel, the National Library of Medicine found that 12 percent developed dry mouth, 6 percent experienced constipation, 5 percent developed dyspepsia (indigestion), 13 percent developed drowsiness, 10 percent developed dizziness and 7 percent experienced orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure with positional changes). For example, you may significantly reduce your blood pressure when you go from a sitting to a standing position. Drugs.com indicates that Seroquel can also cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, menstrual irregularities, weight gain, breast swelling and anxiety. Vomiting can result in severely reduced potassium levels in your blood, so eat potassium-abundant foods such as raisins and bananas daily. Vomiting can also make you dehydrated; drink eight to 10 cupfuls of water daily.
Serious Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, using Seroquel when you are elderly and suffering from dementia can increase your risk of death. Tell your doctor if you develop sudden fainting, dizziness, arm or leg weakness, or trouble talking. Seroquel can affect your mental state and cause new depression, restlessness, irritability, euphoria and aggression. In some instances, Seroquel can increase your risk for developing suicidal thoughts and actions.
Seroquel's other serious side effects include seizures, visual problems, priapism, trouble breathing, dysphagia (trouble swallowing), and easy bleeding or bruising. Seizures are the result of disorganized electrical signals in the brain. Priapism refers to prolonged erection that lasts for more than four hours. Thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels) results in easy bleeding or bruising. Drugs.com indicates that Seroquel can also cause hyperglycemic (high blood sugar) episodes. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include frequent urination and extreme hunger or thirst. Call your doctor when any of Seroquel's serious side effects develop.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Seroquel if you are allergic to quetiapine of any other atypical antipsychotic drugs. An allergic response to Seroquel includes difficulty breathing, hives, and edema (swelling) of your face, tongue or lips.
Tell your physician if you have heart, thyroid, liver or kidney problems, seizures or high cholesterol. Your doctor will adjust Seroquel's dosage.
Avoid combining Seroquel with such drugs as cimetidine, lorazepam or erythromycin, as the combination can lead to the aforementioned effects.
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