Seroquel Overview

Seroquel (quetiapine) is an antipsychotic medicine. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. Seroquel is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children who are at least 13 years old. Seroquel is used to treat bipolar disorder (manic depression) in adults and children who are at least 10 years old. It is also used together with antidepressant medications to treat major depressive disorder in adults. Extended-release quetiapine (Seroquel XR) is for use only in adults and should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years old.

Seroquel Abuse Treatment

The treatment of Seroquel addiction involves providing some medical monitoring if needed, and attention to address the specific symptoms of the individual. It also often involves using medication to alleviate the agitation and other emotional symptoms of intoxication. The primary goals for the treatment of addiction symptoms are abstinence, relapse prevention, and rehabilitation. When the addicted person first abstains from using drugs, he or she may need help avoiding or lessening the effects of withdrawal. That process is called detoxification or detox. That part of treatment is usually performed in a hospital or other inpatient setting (often called detox centers), where medications used to decrease withdrawal symptoms and frequent medical assessments can be provided. As with many other drugs of abuse, the detox process from bath salts is likely the most difficult aspect of coping with the physical symptoms of addiction and tends to last for days.

Seroquel Signs of Abuse

• Confusion
• Signs of ketoacidosis, including loss of consciousness, extreme thirst, fruity-smelling breath, nausea and vomiting
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Fever or sweating
• Facial or body movements that cannot be controlled
• Itching, hives, or a rash
• Painful erection lasting for hours
• Seizures
• Shuffling walk or slowed movements
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Faintness

Effects of Seroquel Abuse

• A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out
• Very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors
• Twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs
• Mask-like appearance of the face, trouble swallowing, problems with speech
• Breast swelling or discharge (in men or women), missed menstrual periods, impotence, loss of libido
• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights
• Sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms, cough, sore throat, red or swollen gums, painful mouth sores, skin sores, trouble breathing
• Dizziness, drowsiness, loss of energy, tired feeling
• Increased appetite, weight gain
• Dry mouth
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or discomfort, constipation

Seroquel Withdrawal Symptoms

• Insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Return of delusions, hallucinations, or other psychotic symptoms
• Return of manic or bipolar symptoms

Seroquel Abuse Statistics

Seroquel at one point was prescribed to patients with dementia, including those suffering from Alzheimer’s. Not only was Seroquel found ineffective for the treatment and improvement of cognitive function, but also increased the risk of death for these patients. The FDA has provided no approval for the treatment of dementia with the use of Seroquel. As such, you will be able to make a case for damages if you or a loved one is prescribed Seroquel for dementia and the patient is then injured or harmed while on the medication. Obligations of the patient The patient is not entitled to collect any damages if they overdose on Seroquel by failing to follow instructions. The instructions and other information must be provided to them at the very least on the label and with additional documentation as needed. The doctor and pharmacist will also explain the use of Seroquel to the patient. The patient cannot be held accountable for incorrect information passed to them by a medical professional and when wrong dosing directions are given, the patient will be able to file medical malpractice against them for prescribing Seroquel incorrectly.