Serroquel Overdose: Stroke Risk And Side Effects

how mych serroquel can givebyou stroke

Quetiapine, also known by its brand name Seroquel, is an antipsychotic medication used to treat several mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. While it is effective in managing these conditions, it is associated with a range of side effects, some of which can be severe. One of the most concerning side effects is the increased risk of stroke, particularly in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. This risk has been highlighted in various studies and is now recognised by health authorities. The increased risk of stroke associated with quetiapine use is a serious matter that warrants further investigation and careful consideration by medical professionals when prescribing this medication.

Characteristics Values
Brand name Seroquel
Generic name Quetiapine
Drug class Atypical antipsychotic
Use Treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Mechanism of action Balances brain chemicals called serotonin and dopamine
Dosage forms 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg extended-release oral tablets, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg oral tablets
Side effects Feeling unusually weak or tired, drowsiness, dizziness, increased appetite or weight gain, upset stomach or indigestion, low blood pressure upon standing, sore throat or stuffy nose, abnormal liver function tests (oral tablets), nausea or vomiting (children), fast heartbeat (children)
Serious side effects Severe allergic reactions, metabolism problems, suicidal thoughts or actions, low blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension), neuroleptic malignant syndrome, body temperature regulation issues, uncontrolled movements, withdrawal reactions, trouble swallowing, increased blood pressure in children and teenagers, blood disorders, low thyroid hormones, high prolactin level, cataracts

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Seroquel (Quetiapine) is an antipsychotic medication that treats bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

Seroquel (Quetiapine) is an antipsychotic medication used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It works by balancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which helps regulate mood, behaviour, and thoughts. Quetiapine is also used to treat bipolar depression, bipolar mania, and major depressive disorder. It is available by prescription only and is typically taken orally as a tablet.

Quetiapine is associated with a range of side effects, including sedation, fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry mouth, low blood pressure, seizures, high blood sugar, tardive dyskinesia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. It is recommended that patients taking quetiapine be monitored for adverse health outcomes, particularly those with multiple comorbid risk factors for stroke. While Quetiapine is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis, its use in older adults with dementia has been linked to an increased risk of death, stroke, or mini-stroke.

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Seroquel is associated with an increased risk of stroke in elderly patients with dementia

Seroquel, or quetiapine, is an atypical antipsychotic medication often used to manage symptoms of psychosis and bipolar disorder. It is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat behavioural symptoms in dementia patients, but it carries significant risks, including an increased risk of mortality and cognitive decline.

Several sources indicate that Seroquel is associated with an increased risk of stroke in elderly patients with dementia. A 2013 study found that the use of quetiapine was associated with a 2.7-fold increase in the risk of ischemic stroke in elderly patients. Another study found that patients treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs were 1.6 to 1.7 times more likely to die than patients given a placebo, with causes of death including congestive heart failure, sudden death, and infections such as pneumonia.

The FDA has issued a warning that these drugs are not approved for the treatment of behavioural symptoms in elderly patients with dementia and has requested that manufacturers place a "black box" warning on drug labels, noting the increased risk of death.

It is important to note that Seroquel may be prescribed to dementia patients to manage agitation, anxiety, and other behavioural issues, and it is believed to be more favourable compared to other antipsychotics in terms of side effects and risk of extrapyramidal symptoms. However, due to the risks associated with its use, it is crucial that it is prescribed by a specialist in low doses, with careful monitoring for any side effects.

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Seroquel may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when sitting up or standing

Seroquel (quetiapine) is an antipsychotic medication used to treat several mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It works by balancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which helps regulate mood, behaviour, and thoughts.

While Seroquel can be beneficial for managing these conditions, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects, one of which is orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when sitting up or standing. This side effect can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. To minimise the risk of orthostatic hypotension, it is recommended to be careful when standing up and to sit or lie down if dizziness occurs. It is also important to inform your healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

In addition to orthostatic hypotension, Seroquel may also cause other side effects, such as increased appetite or weight gain, drowsiness, dizziness, and indigestion. While these side effects may be mild for some individuals, they can be more severe for others. It is crucial to monitor for any changes or worsening of symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if necessary.

Furthermore, Seroquel has been associated with an increased risk of stroke in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. This risk has led to a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicating the potential dangers of the drug in this population. As a result, doctors typically do not prescribe Seroquel to treat dementia-related psychosis in older adults.

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Seroquel may cause tardive dyskinesia, a rare movement disorder involving involuntary movements

Seroquel (Quetiapine) is an antipsychotic medication used to treat several mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, minimising dopamine activity and helping to relieve symptoms of these conditions.

While Seroquel can be helpful and effective, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects, which include common symptoms such as constipation, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeat, as well as more serious side effects. One such serious side effect is tardive dyskinesia, a rare movement disorder involving involuntary movements.

Tardive dyskinesia is characterised by involuntary, repetitive, and irregular movements, which may include chewing or sucking movements, grimacing, puckering or pursing the lips, and worm-like tongue movements. This side effect is much more common with older antipsychotic medications but can very rarely occur with newer atypical agents such as Seroquel. In fact, Seroquel is believed to have a lower risk of causing tardive dyskinesia compared to other antipsychotics due to its low affinity and fast dissociation from dopamine D2 receptors.

However, there have been case reports of Seroquel-induced tardive dyskinesia, including a case involving a 25-year-old woman with bipolar disorder type I who developed repetitive involuntary jaw movements within six weeks of starting Seroquel treatment. Another case involved a female homemaker with psychotic depression who experienced severe perioral tremors and irregular tongue movements after three years of Seroquel treatment. In both cases, the tardive dyskinesia symptoms persisted even after discontinuing or reducing the dose of Seroquel.

The exact mechanism by which Seroquel can cause tardive dyskinesia is unclear, and it is worth noting that large controlled studies suggest that the rates of association between atypical neuroleptic agents and tardive dyskinesia are low. Nonetheless, it is important for clinicians and patients to be aware of this potential side effect and closely monitor for any involuntary movements during Seroquel treatment.

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Seroquel may cause seizures

Seroquel, also known as quetiapine, is an antipsychotic medication used to treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It works by balancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which help regulate mood, behaviour, and thoughts. While Seroquel is generally considered a safe drug, it does carry a risk of side effects and some danger of lasting health consequences.

One of the rare but serious side effects associated with Seroquel use is seizures. Although the risk is slight, it is worth mentioning that there has been an increase in seizures observed among the general population taking Seroquel. People with a history of seizures or other conditions that trigger seizures may be at an increased risk of experiencing seizures while taking Seroquel.

In a case study, a 75-year-old man with Alzheimer's disease experienced seizures while taking a relatively high dose of 500 mg/day of quetiapine along with carbamazepine. After discontinuing quetiapine treatment, the patient remained seizure-free, suggesting a possible link between the medication and the seizures.

Another study reported a case of a 42-year-old male patient with bipolar disorder who was admitted to the emergency service with complaints including double vision, inability to move his eyes, balance impairment, sensory defects, and difficulty walking. The patient had been taking quetiapine 300 mg daily for two months. The diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination revealed ischemic regions in the right pontine area, indicating an ischemic stroke.

It is important to note that the patient in the first case had underlying Alzheimer's disease, which is a condition that can lower the seizure threshold. Additionally, the patient in the second case had bipolar disorder, and previous studies have shown an association between bipolar disorder and an increased risk of stroke.

While the evidence suggests a possible link between Seroquel and seizures, especially in individuals with certain underlying conditions, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of taking this medication.

Frequently asked questions

Seroquel (quetiapine) is an antipsychotic medication that is known to increase the risk of strokes in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. It is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis.

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on various factors such as age, dosage, and individual health history. However, it is recommended that older adults be monitored more closely for side effects and may require lower dosages.

Stroke symptoms can include confusion, headache, and weakness on one side of the body. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Seroquel, seek immediate medical attention.

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