Many people suffer from mental illness. In particular, bipolar disorder is quite prevalent, both in the United States and around the world. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 5.7 million Americans currently suffer from this illness. Often, the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be debilitating, resulting in the inability to maintain a career or nurture relationships without great difficulty. Fortunately, there are several options available for treatment, including counseling, support groups, and medications. One medication often used for treatment is Seroquel. While this medication has proven to be effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder, as well as schizophrenia, it is important to beware of potential side effects. Many patients may also wonder about possible tests to determine the effects of Seroquel on the body itself. It is important to discuss the risks, benefits, and potential side effects of a medication with a health care provider.
History
According to the drug manufacturing company AstraZeneca, Seroquel was first approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of schizophrenia in September 1997. Years later in January 2004, the FDA approved Seroquel for the treatment of short-term manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Continued research later illustrated an additional important use for this medication. Following the BOLDER I and BOLDER II studies, Seroquel was also approved by the FDA for the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
Function
Clinical research has demonstrated several uses of Seroquel in the treatment of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Regarding schizophrenia, patients taking Seroquel have shown a significant decrease in unusual thoughts, feelings of suspicion and hallucinations. In addition, patients suffering from bipolar mania have demonstrated fewer racing thoughts, less irritability, more normal sleep and improved insight while taking Seroquel. This medication is also beneficial with bipolar depression, allowing patients to feel less tension, sadness and pessimism.
Side Effects of Seroquel on the Blood or Organs
While Seroquel provides many benefits, there are also potential side effects when taking this medication. Elevated blood sugar levels have been reported in some patients taking Seroquel, as well as increases in triglycerides and LDL (or "bad") cholesterol. Each of these changes is detectable through blood tests. Other patients have shown an increase in prolactin levels as measured in the blood, which can result in disruptions in the menstrual cycle for women and erectile dysfunction in men. Regarding particular organs, Seroquel has been shown to impact the liver, causing an elevation in liver enzymes, also detectable through tests. Furthermore, patients taking Seroquel could alter the function of the thyroid gland. In clinical research reported by AstraZeneca, some participants taking Seroquel demonstrated increased incidence of hypothyroidism, as opposed to those taking a placebo.
Testing for Seroquel in the Blood or Organs
Although Seroquel is known to have potential side effects, diagnostic testing for the medication's impact is more challenging. For example, according to both LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics, no specific test for detecting the presence of Seroquel in the bloodstream currently exists. Additionally, the presence of Seroquel in the organs of the body is difficult to pinpoint. While evidence of Seroquel's impact on a particular organ may be detectable, the existence of Seroquel within the organ itself cannot be proven. For example, impaired liver function may be diagnosed by elevated liver enzymes or even a liver biopsy, but no specific test can unequivocally link this condition to Seroquel.
Conclusion
For people suffering from schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, Seroquel can be a very effective medication. As with most medications, Seroquel may cause a variety of side effects. Although the impact of Seroquel may be diagnosed with particular blood tests or even organ biopsy, no test to demonstrate the actual presence of Seroquel in the blood or organs exists at present. As with any medication, consultation with a health care provider is essential prior to initiating treatment with Seroquel.
