Seroquel

(quetiapine fumarate)

Seroquel, the popular schizophrenia drug manufactured by AstraZeneca, has been linked to a high incidence of diabetes. Data from a recent medical conference in Philadelphia showed patients on Seroquel had 3.34 times as many cases of diabetes as those on older drugs.

Side Effects

• NMS (Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome)
• Tardive Dyskinesia
• Elevated blood sugar
• Diabetes
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Sudden drop in blood pressure when standing
• Sore throat
• Abnormal liver tests
• Upset stomach
• Weight gain

The study was conducted on U.S. military veterans and demonstrated that Seroquel and other members of a new class of anti-psychotic drugs were linked to a higher risk of diabetes, but the risk of diabetes was greatest with Seroquel.

Seroquel is known generically as (quetiapine fumarate) and it is an oral medication used to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia including: delusions, thought disorder, hallucinations, social withdrawal, lack of energy, apathy, and reduced ability to express emotion. Seroquel affects a broad range of neurotransmitter receptors, including serotonin receptors.

Eli Lilly, the makers of another antipsychotic drug Zyprexa, have placed a black box warning on the drug and have entered into a settlement for people who have suffered diabetes or diabetes related illnesses due to this drug. Will Seroquel be next?

Seroquel was approved by the FDA for marketing in 1997. Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic agent in chemical class called dibenzothiazepine derivatives.

On April 11, 2005, the FDA announced that older patients with dementia who are given antipsychotic medicines are far more likely to die prematurely than those given placebo pills. The warning adds to growing worries about the safety of the widely prescribed drugs.

If you have taken Seroquel and have suffered any of these problems, contact us today!