In recent years in order to help the millions of people who
suffer from mental illnesses, a variety of prescription
drugs have been developed and put on the market. Seroquel
(generic name quetiapine) is an antipsychotic medication
manufactured by Astra Zeneca. Seroquel is prescribed for
the management of symptoms of schizophrenia and manic
episodes associated with bipolar disorder such as
hallucinations, delusions or mental preoccupations beyond
the control of a patient. Bipolar disorder is a serious
mental illness that affects approximately three to four
percent of the adult population and it is the sixth leading
cause of disability in the world.
Like many of the "super drugs" manufactured and marketed by
pharmaceutical companies, the exact mechanism that enables
Seroquel to work for schizophrenic patients is not known.
Seroquel targets the specific areas of the brain that
secrete the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. These
are both chemicals that regulate the nervous system's
response to environmental stimuli. Certain mental disorders
may be caused by excessive levels of these
neurotransmitters. Seroquel is said to have an
"antagonistic" effect on certain dopamine and serotonin
receptors in the brain, allowing the chemicals to flow and
function normally in the body.
Seroquel was originally approved by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) in January 2004. Seroquel is also
prescribed "off-label," meaning it is prescribed for
conditions beyond those originally approved by the FDA.
Some of the other conditions that Seroquel is prescribed to
treat include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), general anxiety
disorders, sleep disorders and depressive episodes
associated with bipolar disorder. Seroquel also has an
antagonistic effect on the histamine receptor in the brain
that produces a sedative effect. For this reason Seroquel
is often prescribed for insomnia and other sleep disorders,
especially those associated with depression and other
mental illnesses.
Seroquel is a member of a category of medicines called
"psychotropics". Although Seroquel has been shown to be
effective in the treatment of many symptoms of
psychological disorders, there have been numerous reports
of serious side effects in people who have taken this
medication. Extensive pre-market clinical trials indicated
that Seroquel could reduce many symptoms of mania and that
some people who took Seroquel even experienced a "clinical
remission" for a period of time.
However, there have been reports of elevated blood sugar
and diabetes associated with the use of Seroquel and other
drugs in its class. Individuals who have diabetes or
possible risk factors such as obesity, or whose family has
a history of diabetes, should speak with their doctor
before taking Seroquel. Patients' blood levels should be
checked before taking Seroquel and throughout treatment.
Symptoms of elevated blood sugar or diabetes, including
excessive thirst, increased urination, overeating, or
weakness, are indications of serious side effects.
Complications from elevated blood sugar or diabetes can be
life-threatening.
It is recommended that patients who currently take Seroquel
may wish to contact their physician to consider alternative
treatments. Any individual who believes they may have been
harmed or suffered adverse heath effects from the usage of
Seroquel should seek the advice of an attorney who
specializes in pharmaceutical litigation.
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