Seroquel Side Effects – Diabetes
Seroquel is a drug approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the treatment of schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis, such as hearing voices or seeing things. It has been heavily prescribed off label for uses not authorized by the FDA. Seroquel is one of a recent group of drugs that was developed to avoid the loss of motor control caused by older antipsychotic drugs. Unfortunately this second group of drugs, called atypical antipsychotics, has been linked to serious side effects.
Suffered harm from Seroquel? You may have a lawsuit. Click here, for a top rated law firm to evaluate your legal rights.
Seroquel has been linked to several very serious side effects, including an increased risk of diabetes (up to 3 times the risk) as well as weight gain, increased blood sugar, and high cholesterol. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) that can lead to diabetes include
- Frequent or increased hunger
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
Seroquel has been linked to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas during which digestive enzymes attack the pancreas instead of flowing into the small intestines. This can cause heart, lung, or kidney failure and death. Symptoms of pancreatitis can include:
- Swollen or tender abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Rapid pulse
Seroquel use may also result in hyperglycemia that can be associated with ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar coma, and death.
Seroquel and other atypical antipsychotic also increase the risk of death in the elderly and should not be prescribed for the treatment of dementia.
Other very serious side effects of Seroquel include neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a life-threatening nervous system disorder that can affect the kidneys. Symptoms of NMS include:
- High fever
- Stiff muscles
- Sweating
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Change in blood pressure
- Confusion
Patients with these symptoms should get immediate medical emergency care.
A second serious side effect is tardive dyskinesia (TD), a disorder characterized by muscle movements that can’t be stopped. TD is only reversible in the early stages, and so anyone experiencing muscle movements that can’t be stopped should get immediate medical care.
A third major risk of Seroquel use is a higher risk of high blood sugar and diabetes. Patients using Seroquel or other atypical antipsychotic drugs should have their blood sugar levels checked regularly.
Other side effects of Seroquel include:
- Leukopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis (including fatal cases)
- Potentially fatal heatstroke
- Low blood pressure
- Cataracts
- Seizures
- Low thyroid
- Elevated cholesterol
- Liver problems
- Persistent erection
- Increases or decreases in body temperature.
- Difficulty swallowing
If you are using Seroquel and experiencing these symptoms, you should see your health care provider. If you or a loved one has been injured from Seroquel use, you may be able to recover damages. To find out more about your claim, contact a Seroquel attorney to have your case evaluated. See Seroquel Attorney and Lawyer – How to Hire for information on finding a lawyer.
Check out the following articles for more information about Seroquel, filing a Seroquel lawsuit and finding a Seroquel attorney.
Suffered harm from Seroquel? You may have a lawsuit. Click here, for a top rated law firm to evaluate your legal rights. |