Seroquel is the brand name for the generic drug quetiapine. These
drugs are prescribed to treat the psychotic behaviors associated with
schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They should never be taken to treat
symptoms of psychosis in elderly patients suffering from age-related
dementia.
Dangerous
Seroquel side effects can occur in older adults diagnosed with dementia
disorders. Taking Seroquel under these circumstances has been known to
cause fatal cases of pneumonia and heart failure. Symptoms of either
condition should be reported immediately to the prescribing physician,
regardless of the age of the patient.
Seroquel side effects
can lead to impaired thinking and slowed reaction time. It should never
be taken in conjunction with other prescription or nonprescription
remedies that have the same effects. This means avoid the use of
alcohol, cold medications, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, pain
medications, and sedatives during Seroquel therapy.
An
increased risk of becoming overheated, leading to dangerous
dehydration, is one of the Seroquel side effects to be aware of.
Patients taking this medication need to take every dose with a full
glass of water and drink lots of water in between doses. Special
attention to heat and water intake is recommended during periods of hot
weather or exercise.
Alternative treatment options or altered
dosages may be required for patients undergoing treatment for liver or
kidney diseases; heart conditions, including hypertension, arrhythmia,
or a history of stroke or cardiac arrest; epilepsy or other seizure
disorders; diabetes; and conditions that make swallowing difficult.
Seroquel
side effects can cause harm to an unborn baby so pregnant mothers or
those who may become pregnant during treatment should consider
alternative treatment options. Nursing mothers should also consider
alternative treatments although it is unknown if Seroquel passes into
breast milk in levels large enough to harm a nursing baby.
Stop
taking your medication immediately and seek emergency medical attention
if any of these Seroquel side effects develops: numbness or weakness,
especially on just one side of the body; jerky, uncontrollable muscle
spasms or especially stiff muscles; sudden headache, especially when
accompanied by symptoms of confusion, impaired coordination, or sensory
impairment; fever; irregular or rapid heartbeat; increased thirst or
excessive hunger; decreased urinary output or no urination at all;
fainting; or thoughts of suicide or otherwise harming yourself.
Other
Seroquel side effects might occur, including insomnia, anxiety,
agitation, interrupted menstrual cycle, and digestive discomforts.
These side effects are considered mild and medication should continue
at the prescribed dosage. Do, however, report all side effects to your
prescribing physician.
Med-Help is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.