Seroquel is a prescription medication commonly used to treat mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Patients taking the medication may find it easier to concentrate and experience fewer hallucinations. It is an atypical antipsychotic drug that is thought to work by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, but it is not known precisely how the medication works. Seroquel is taken orally, usually in pill form, and can be taken with or without food. Patients need to continue taking Seroquel as prescibed even if they feel as though their condition has improved. It's important not to suddenly stop taking the medication because it can increase the risk of experiencing side effects. If you need to stop taking Seroquel, your doctor will slowly lower your dosage over a period of time.
Non-Serious Side Effects
Mild Seroquel side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, nasal congestion, dry mouth, sore throat, unexplained weight gain, weakness, tiredness, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain or upset. None of these side effects is cause for concern. However, because people taking Seroquel can become dizzy or drowsy as a result of the medication, it is important to refrain from driving or performing other tasks requiring concentration until you know how it will affect you.
Serious Side Effects
Some side effects could be an indication of a potential complication that may require medical treatment. If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately: mental confusion; memory loss; new or worsening mental or mood changes, including agitation, depression, hostility, impulsiveness, irritability, restlessness, panic attacks, aggressiveness or an exaggerated feeling of well-being; vision changes; difficulty concentrating; numbness or tingling; severe or prolonged dizziness or headaches; seizures; uncontrolled muscle movements; tremors; difficulty speaking, swallowing, walking or standing; increased drooling or saliva production; fainting; shortness of breath; menstrual changes; a fast, slow or irregular heartbeat; increased sweating; fever, chills or a persistent sore throat; muscle pain, weakness or stiffness; a painful, persistent erection; swelling of the face, hands or legs; and signs of a high blood sugar level, including increased thirst, hunger or urination and unusual weakness.
Children and Teens
In young patients, including children, teens and young adults, Seroquel is known to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. However, because the conditions that the medication is designed to treat can also lead to suicidal tendencies, a doctor may decide that the medication is the best treatment option. Family, friends and caregivers of children and teens taking Seroquel should closely monitor their behavior and notify their doctor immediately if any changes are noticed.
Dementia Patients
Seroquel is among a group of drugs that can increase the likelihood of death and other serious side effects in elderly patients with dementia. Seroquel is not approved to treat the mental changes that people with dementia experience. Elderly patients taking Seroquel are slightly more likely to develop extremely serious side effects such as heart failure or stroke.
Drug Interactions
Seroquel is known to interact with several other medications, causing potentially dangerous reactions and severe side effects. Seroquel patients also taking alpha-blockers or other high-blood-pressure medications are more likely to develop low blood pressure and the associated problems, including fainting. Seroquel may not be as effective when taken with barbiturates, corticosteroids, rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine and thioridazine.
Patients are more likely to experience Seroquel's side effects when also taking HIV protease inhibitors, azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, telithromycin and fluvoxamone. Also, dopamine receptor agonists and levodopa may not be as effective when taken with Seroquel.
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