Essential Information About Seroquel (Quetiapine)

Essential Information About Seroquel (Quetiapine) Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Print Seroquel (Quetiapine) Essential Information By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on November 14, 2014 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on May 15, 2019 Wikimedia Commons More in Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Symptoms Diagnosis Seroquel â€" generic quetiapine fumarate â€" is classed as an atypical antipsychotic medication. It is used to treat psychotic symptoms of such illnesses like schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, including hallucinations, delusions, catatonia, and paranoia. It is also approved for use in treating acute manic episodes of bipolar disorder with or without psychotic features and has some antidepressant effects. Seroquel may be used adjunctively with Lithium or Depakote in the therapy of acute mania. Drug Warnings and Complications Treatment with Seroquel is associated with the risk of some serious complications. These include: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a potentially fatal illness whose symptoms include high fever, muscle rigidity, profuse sweating, and dark urine. Read more: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.Tardive Dyskinesia, a movement disorder that may not go away unless treated promptly. Symptoms include uncontrolled movements of the lips and tongue.  High blood sugar and diabetes. Patients who have diabetes mellitus or have risk factors such as obesity and family history of diabetes should have fasting blood glucose tests before beginning treatment with Seroquel and at regular intervals during treatment. Rare but Significant Side Effects In 1% or fewer of patients taking Seroquel in clinical trials, the following were reported: CataractsSeizuresUnderactive thyroidElevated cholesterol and triglycerides Also, patients may experience sleepiness and impaired motor control (difficulty walking, etc.) especially at the beginning of treatment with Seroquel. The usual warning about not driving or operating heavy machinery is important with this medication. Black Box Warning Regarding Elderly Patients Seroquel carries the standard black box warning required for all antipsychotics regarding the increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding It is recommended that Seroquel treatment is discontinued during pregnancy. Women taking Seroquel should not breastfeed their infants. Other Cautions and Warnings Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Seroquel.Avoid overheating and dehydrationSeroquel is not approved for pediatric usePatients with liver disease should start at the lowest dose (25 mg) and increase the dosage slowly Most Common Side Effects Weight GainSleepinessHeadacheDizzinessDrop in blood pressure upon standingDry mouthConstipationDizzinessWeaknessUpset stomach