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Seroquel is prescribed to patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, which are caused by imbalances of brain chemicals. Seroquel can help reduce the risk of suicide in these patients as well as some of the symptoms of the disorders. However, Seroquel has been linked to arrhythmias and sudden death.

Bipolar disorder is caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals as well. Bipolar disorder causes severe mood swings and energy shifts, and makes it difficult for people to complete daily tasks. Almost 6 million people in the U.S. suffer from bipolar disorder.

Symptoms of schizophrenia include mood swings, speaking problems, social withdrawal, decreased movement and an inability to feel pleasure. These are called “negative symptoms” of schizophrenia. Positive symptoms include delusional thinking and hearing and seeing things that are only in the imagination.

Schizophrenia is caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals as well, particularly dopamine and seratonin, although researchers are not certain why these chemicals become imbalanced. Some believe it is a combination of in utero exposure to viruses, malnutrition or birth complications. Schizophrenia usually starts during one’s teen years or in early adulthood.

What are some important things I should know about Seroquel?

Seroquel has been mistaken by doctors and pharmacists with the drug Serzone. This mistake led to several dozen adverse reactions, which required hospitalization. Make sure your pharmacist double checks your prescription label.

Seroquel has been linked to arrhythmias and sudden death. In order to decrease your chances of arrhythmia and sudden death, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking and if you have a history of heart problems. Seroquel can interact harmfully with other drugs.

Seroquel is designed to treat schizophrenic and bipolar patients, and to relieve some of their symptoms. 

Seroquel can cause involuntary movement of the face and body that may be embarrassing to patients. Seroquel can cause arrhythmia or sudden death. It can also cause respiratory depression and respiratory arrest (difficulty breathing or inability to breathe) when combined with central nervous system depressants, which include:

• alcohol
• anesthetic
• barbiturates
• narcotics
• opiates
• atropine
• phosphorus insecticides

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
  • potentially fatal
  • has been linked to the administration of antipsychotic drugs
  • patients experience hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, irregular pulse or blood pressure, acute renal failure
• Tardive Dyskinesia
  • incurable syndrome
  • involuntary movements that are irreversible
  • highest among elderly women

Seroquel can also cause injury to unborn and nursing babies, so the medication should be used with caution in pregnant and nursing women.

You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, restlessness, seizures, difficulty urinating, yellowing of the skin or eyes, difficulty swallowing, or unusual mouth, tongue or jaw movements. Also, contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.