Neurological Effects of Seroquel

Seroquel is an anti-psychotic medication used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Made by AstraZeneca, the drug has come under scrutiny due to its possible effects of causing neurological disorders such as tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. In an article in The Wall Street Journal, AstraZeneca had tried to persuade the Food and Drug Administration to approve an extended-release version of Seroquel in the treatment of anxiety and depression. However, due to serious side effects such as diabetes and serious neurological disorders, the FDA has yet to approve the extended-release version.

Tardive Dyskinesia

• Tardive dyskinesia occurs as a result of long-term use of neuroleptic drugs such as Seroquel. It is a severe neurological disorder that can result in repetitive, jerky movements. A person afflicted by the disorder may make uncontrolled grimacing gestures of the face. Tongue protrusion, smacking or pursing of the lips can also happen. Involuntary blinking or darting movements of the eyes can happen as well. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, at times a person may rapidly move his fingers, giving the appearance that he is playing an invisible instrument.

Potential Risks

• In the case of tardive dyskensia, this type of neurological disorder only occurs in patients who have been taking anti-psychotics for a prolonged amount of time (i.e., months to years). However, unlike older medications such as Haldol, Seroquel has a lower risk of incidence with tardive dyskensia. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, using anti-psychotics such as Seroquel for any extended amount of time should only be reserved for those with severe mental illnesses when other treatments have failed. In the case that you experience jerky bodily movements, grimacing of the face or smacking of the lips, speak with a health care provider immediately.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome occurs when you have an adverse reaction to an anti-psychotic medication. The syndrome can become life-threatening if left untreated. Symptoms can occur within two weeks after starting therapy but can also occur at any time during the treatment. If you have an adverse reaction, you may have fever-like symptoms such as fever and chills. You may also have muscle rigidity, unstable blood pressure, sweating and severe fatigue. In worst-case scenarios, hallucinations and delirium can occur.

Potential Risks

• Medications such as Seroquel try to block the signals between the nerves and the brain. By doing so, receptors in the nerve become blocked. Within the brain, dopamine is created, and anti-pyschotics work by blocking the dopamine. In very rare cases, neuroleptic malignant syndrome can occur. This has only been seen in individuals who were on a high dose of anti-psychotic medication.

Potential Dangers

• The benefits of taking Seroquel are still debatable, especially in the instance when the drug is used for anxiety or depression. In an article written by Judy Hittman and Dr. Zuckerman, studies that have been conducted on the effects of Seroquel have been short-term, and long-term effects of the drug are unknown. If a person who has taken Seroquel develops tardive dyskinesia, the effects of the disorder cannot be treated with medications, nor can it be alleviated once Seroquel treatment has ceased.

Warning

• It is highly believed that only individuals who suffer from severe schizophrenia or bipolar disorder should be treated with Seroquel. People who only suffer from anxiety or depression should never take this medication due to potential side effects such as tardive dyskinesia. In very rare instances, death has even been the result of taking Seroquel. In the article "Seroquel is Widely Used But With Dangerous Side Effects," Iraqi war veterans who had suffered from post traumatic stress disorder were treated with Seroquel. These individuals, who were healthy, suddenly died after being administered the drug. As a result, organizations such as The National Research Center for Women & Families are trying to force the FDA to make AstraZeneca to do substantial research on the serious side effects of Seroquel use.