What is Seroquel?
Seroquel (quetiapine) is an antipsychotic prescription medication, marketed by AstraZeneca. It is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia, Bi-Polar Disorder (specifically with features of mania, and mixed or depressive forms of Bi-Polar Disorder ["BPD"]), and it is also indicated for treatment of depression and Bi-Polar Disorder as a maintenance augmenter in conjunction with otherwise primarily prescribed anti-depressants. The use of Seroquel for maintenance augmentation is indicated in conjunction with drugs such as lithium or valporate; or in conjunction with divalproex. Seroquel has also been prescribed for unapproved/off-label treatment of conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder ("OCD"); post-traumatic-stress-disorder ("PTSD"); autism; alcoholism; Tourette syndrome; and, it has even been prescribed by physicians as a sedative for patients with anxiety disorders or sleeping disorders.
Despite being perceived as a drug with such a wide range of prescription, the manufacturer of Seroquel has been investigated by the Food and Drug Administration ("F.D.A.") for marketing the drug for uses which were not cleared by the F.D.A. through its approval process; and, as recently as April of 2010, AstraZeneca settled allegations of such to the tune of $520,000,000.00 as part of a five-year corporate integrity agreement entered into a with the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Additionally, studies have shown that through prolonged use of Seroquel, patients have began to develop diabetes as a result of the increase in the blood sugar levels of those taking the drug.
If you or a loved one have used Seroquel for an off-label treatment, and believe that you suffered medical injuries as a result, contact a Seroquel Attorney at the Finz firm now at (855) TOP-FIRM or complete the Free Seroquel Case Evaluation form to find out how the Finz law firm can help you.
How does Seroquel Work?
The mechanism of Seroquel's efficacy is akin to other antipsychotics, in that, by antagonizing adrenergic receptors, it facilitates surges of dopamine. Additionally, it functions by binding strongly with serotonin receptors. This facilitates increase in the neurotransmitter serotonin's re-uptake by the presynaptic cell in the neurological process. By binding to serotonin receptors, it thereby increases the volume of serotonin in the synaptic cleft (the area between the nerves), which leaves it available for the postsynaptic receptor instead. This process, theoretically, affects the neurological process by increasing the amount of serotonin transmitted, and thereby decreasing, among other things, depression, which has been, by some, identified as a symptom of inadequate serotonin transmission in neurological processes.
What are the Side-Effects of Seroquel?
The general, common, side-effects of Seroquel, include, but are not limited to:
- sluggishness;
- fatigue;
- sore throat;
- dizziness;
- nausea;
- constipation;
- increased blood sugar;
- sudden drop in blood pressure when standing;
- inflammation or swelling of the sinuses or pharynx;
- increased appetite; and,
- weight gain.
The more alarming, and significant side-effects experienced by Seroquel users include:
- diabetes;
- tardive dyskinesia (an incurable neurological disorder, from high doses of Seroquel);
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome; and,
- cataracts.
Legal Help for Seroquel Victims
If you or a loved one have used Seroquel and believe that you suffered medical injuries as a result, contact a Seroquel Attorney at the Finz firm now at (855) TOP-FIRM or complete the Free Seroquel Case Evaluation form to find out how the Finz law firm can help you.
If you have taken this drug don't hesitate... contact a Seroquel Defective Drug Lawyer now at (855) TOP-FIRM.
