Seroquel Dangers

Seroquel^® (quetiapine fumarate) is a prescription drug approved to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in adults.

 

Although most people respond well to this medication, there are some potential Seroquel dangers that you should be aware of before starting treatment. It is important to know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a special warning about the use of Seroquel in elderly people with psychosis or dementia. Elderly people with dementia (Alzheimer's disease is the most common form) who are treated with antipsychotics -- including Seroquel -- are more likely to die of various causes than those who were not treated with those medications.

 

Seroquel may also cause a number of other complications; it can cause a life-threatening condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia (a potentially permanent condition involving uncontrollable body or face movements), or priapism (a painful erection of the penis that does not go away).

 

Some of the most common side effects that have been reported with Seroquel include indigestion or heartburn, increased appetite, high cholesterol or triglycerides, constipation, and weakness.