Seroquel (Quetiapine) lawyers

Seroquel is in a class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics. Medications classified as such are used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder characterized by delusions, incoherence, hallucinations, physical agitation and paranoia. Seroquel, sometimes along with divalproex (Depakote) or lithium, is also approved for use in treatment of Bipolar I disorder.

Seroquel has been used "off-label" to treat conditions, such as autism, dementia, and psychotic depression, for which it is not approved. The use of Seroquel by the elderly for dementia, for one, is associated with a higher chance of death. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also looked at Seroquel for overdoses that have occurred due to "sample pack labeling confusion".

But even when used as intended, there are serious risks and potential side effects that accompany its use, including:

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) - a life-threatening problem of the nervous system that can cause a high fever, sweating, stiff muscles, a change in blood pressure, fast or irregular heart beat, confusion, and can affect your kidneys
• Tardative dyskinesia - characterized by muscle movements that cannot be stopped
• Diabetes and high blood sugar
• Low blood pressure - a common symptom of which is dizziness
• Increased heartbeat
• Other possible symptoms and side effects including fainting, seizures, cataracts, low thyroid, liver problems, elevated triglycerides or cholesterol, persistent erection, difficulty swallowing, changes in body temperature, headache, dry mouth, agitation, constipation, vomiting, pain, upset stomach, and weight gain

Before taking Seroquel, the patient or caretaker should let the physician know if the patient has experienced any of the symptoms or conditions listed, or if the patient is pregnant, breast-feeding, trying to become pregnant, or drinks alcohol. And because of potentially serious interactions with other medications, the physician should also be informed if the patient is taking, blood pressure medications, levodopa, dopamine agonisits, thioridazine, phenytoin, lorazepam, and antibiotic or antifungal medications such as ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, and erythromycin.

If someone experiences the symptoms and conditions listed after taking Seroquel, they should immediately contact their healthcare provider. If you suspect that a loved one has died or been injured as the result of taking Seroquel, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more, consult with an experienced pharmaceutical injury attorney.