Seroquel

Seroquel Warnings

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning linking antipsychotic drugs, like Seroquel, to an increased risk in hyperglycemia and diabetes.  Some reported cases have been extremely severe resulting in coma or death.  Antipsychotic drugs have also been linked to an increase in mortality in elderly patients taking the medication for dementia.  Seroquel has also been linked with the life-threatening nervous system problem neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and a movement problem called tardive dyskinesia (TD).

Seroquel, manufactured by AstraZeneca, belongs to a class of medications known as antipsychotics.  These drugs are used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia , such as hearing voices, seeing things, sensing things that are not there, mistaken beliefs or unusual behavior.  Seroquel is also used alone or with other medications to treat acute manic episodes in adults with bipolar disorder. 

Hyperglycemia and Diabetes

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked the manufacturers of antipsychotic drugs, such as Seroquel, to add a new warning to the drugs' labels about the increased risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes. 

The warning follows several reports to the FDA of patients taking antipsychotic medications developing hyperglycemia and diabetes.  In some cases, the hyperglycemia was extremely severe and resulted in coma or death.

For some patients, the hyperglycemia was resolved by stopping their use of the drugs.  However, others required continued treatment for their diabetes after their discontinuation of the medication.

The FDA recommends that patients with diabetes who are on antipsychotics be closely monitored for worsening glucose control.  Also, patients who have diabetes risk factors, such as obesity or family history of diabetes, should periodically have fasting blood glucose testing. 

All patients on antipsychotics, such as Seroquel, should be monitored for symptoms of hyperglycemia.  These include: excessive thirst, excessive appetite, frequent urination, and weakness.

Antipsychotics and Elderly Patients

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that antipsychotic drugs, such as Seroquel, are associated with increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia. 

All antipsychotic drugs are approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and none are approved to be used to treat behavioral disorders in patients with dementia. 

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a serious life-threatening nervous system problem.  NMS can cause the following:

• High fever
  
• Stiff muscles
  
• Sweating
  
• Fast or irregular heart beat
  
• Change in blood pressure
  
• Confusion
  
• Kidney problems 
  

NMS is a medical emergency.  You should contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)

Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a movement problem in which patients experience irreversible, involuntary movements.  If you are having muscle movements that cannot be stopped, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Other Serious Side-Effects

Other serious side-effects that may occur while taking Seroquel are:

• Low blood pressure
  
• Dizziness
  
• Increased heart beat
  
• Fainting
  
• Cataracts
  
• Seizures
  
• Low thyroid
  
• Elevated cholesterol
  
• Triglycerides
  
• Liver problems
  
• Persistent erection
  
• Increase or decrease in body temperature
  
• Difficulty swallowing 
  

Note - Do not change medications without first consulting your doctor.

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