Seroquel's Long-Term Use: Common & Serious Side Effects to Know
AstraZeneca's Seroquel, an atypical antipsychotic medication, is widely prescribed for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and treatment-resistant depression. However, long-term use can lead to various side effects, ranging from metabolic changes to serious health risks.
Seroquel's common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, and fatigue. These often appear within the first eight weeks of use. Other persistent side effects with long-term use are weight gain, metabolic disorders, and hormonal changes. Anticholinergic effects like dry mouth and constipation may improve over time but can worsen with increased dosage.
Serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, severe allergic reactions, seizures, and serious heart rhythm changes. Additionally, Seroquel can lead to high blood sugar or diabetes, high cholesterol, tardive dyskinesia, low white blood cell counts, cataracts, and trouble swallowing. To manage these side effects, regular monitoring, lifestyle approaches, and mental health professional consultations are crucial. Patients should never stop taking Seroquel suddenly without consulting their provider, as withdrawal symptoms can occur.
Seroquel, while effective in managing mental health conditions, carries significant side effects with long-term use. Regular monitoring and open communication with healthcare providers can help mitigate these risks. If you're prescribed Seroquel, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects and report any concerns to your healthcare provider promptly.
