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Seroquel Side Effects Could Be Deadly
Seroquel, a psychotropic drug used to treat schizophrenic and bipolar patients, has recently come under fire for its dangerous side effects. There have been numerous reports of serious side effects in people who have taken this medication. There have been reports of elevated blood sugar and diabetes associated with the use of Seroquel and other drugs in its class. A reported rare, but serious, side effect with psychotropics, including Seroquel, is known as NMS, or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. NMS is characterized by muscle rigidity and fever.
Another serious side effect that has been reported is tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable movements). Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological syndrome caused by the long-term use of neuroleptic drugs or psychotropics. Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements. Features of the disorder may include grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, puckering and pursing, and rapid eye blinking. Rapid movements of the arms, legs, and trunk may also occur. Involuntary movements of the fingers may appear as though the patient is playing an invisible guitar or piano. Tardive dyskinesia can be permanent, and is most common among older adults, especially women.
The most commonly observed side effects associated with the use of Seroquel are drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, weakness, abdominal pain, sudden drop in blood pressure when standing, sore throat, abnormal liver tests, vomiting, indigestion, headache, excessive weight, gain thinning of hair or nails and lack of energy.
Some of the side effects of Seroquel can be very serious, and patients experiencing any of the following symptoms should seek immediate medical attention:
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Uncontrollable shaking of the hands
- Changes in vision
- Rash
- Painful erection of the penis that lasts for hours
- Fever
- Very stiff muscles
- Excess sweating
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Yellowness of the skin or eyes
- Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- Flu-like symptoms
Side effects of any medication cannot be anticipated. Muscle stiffness, confusion, irregular or rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, and high fever are signs of a serious, and potentially fatal, reaction to Seroquel. People with a history of heart attack, heart disease, heart failure, circulation problems, or irregular heartbeat are particularly at risk and the use of Seroquel should be discussed at length with a doctor before taking the medication.
Seroquel poses a slight risk of seizures, especially if in individuals over 65, or who have epilepsy or Alzheimer's disease. The drug can also suppress an underactive thyroid, and generally causes a minor increase in cholesterol levels. Other antipsychotic medications have been known to interfere with the body's temperature-regulating mechanism, causing patients to overheat. Although this problem has not been reported with Seroquel, caution is still advisable.
Any individual who has suffered life-threatening side effects related to use of Seroquel may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering or loss and should contact an attorney who specializes in the pharmaceutical industry.
Experiened Legal Counsel for Seroquel
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