In today’s world, mental health concerns have become a top priority. Managing psychological issues and finding effective treatments can be challenging for both patients and their families. Among the medications used to address mental abnormalities, antipsychotic drugs like Seroquel street value 100 mg are commonly prescribed.
However, there have been reports of people sharing unsettling experiences and Seroquel horror stories, raising questions about the drug’s usage. These accounts shed light on the side effects that can disrupt a patient’s mental well-being and daily routine. In fact, certain countries have even restricted the use of Seroquel in elderly patients with dementia due to its side effects.
Recognizing these concerns, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to healthcare professionals and patients about the potential dangers associated with Seroquel. This cautionary communication takes into account the Seroquel horror stories shared by patients. Before delving into these stories, let’s first provide a brief introduction to Seroquel and explore success stories of Seroquel withdrawal.
What is Seroquel?
Seroquel, also known as quetiapine, belongs to the class of atypical antipsychotic medications. It is prescribed to promote a sense of calmness and reduce psychotic thoughts in patients.
Operating on multiple receptors in the brain, Seroquel’s mood-calming effects are believed to be influenced by the antagonism of dopamine and serotonin receptors. Additionally, the medication may also impact histamine receptors, contributing to sedation, and adrenergic alpha1 receptors, which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure when standing.
What are the uses of Seroquel?
- Seroquel is a medication prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia in both adults and children aged 13 and above.
- It is also approved for managing bipolar disorder in adults and children aged ten and above.
- In addition to its primary indications, Seroquel has shown effectiveness in providing relief and promoting sleep. As a result, it is sometimes used in combination with antidepressants or for off-label purposes such as anxiety disorders.
Understanding the Side Effects of Seroquel
Seroquel, like any medication, may cause certain side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of Seroquel include:
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Fast heartbeat
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Headache
- Stuffy nose
- High cholesterol
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- High triglycerides
- Sore throat
- Orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing)
- Weight gain
- Abdominal pain
- Drowsiness
- High prolactin levels
- Joint pain
It’s important to note that Seroquel can also have serious side effects, which may occur immediately or over a longer period. These serious side effects include:
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Diabetes
- Difficulty swallowing
- Intestinal obstruction
- Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels)
- Muscle damage
- Low white blood cell counts
- Suicidal thoughts
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
- Extrapyramidal effects (drug-induced movement problems)
- Heart rate irregularities
- Cataracts or lens changes
- High blood pressure
- Severe allergic reactions
- Severe body temperature dysregulation (hypothermia or hyperthermia)
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Worsening of depression
It’s worth mentioning that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a black box warning for all antipsychotic drugs, including Seroquel, due to the increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Seroquel Horror Stories
It’s important to note that individual experiences may vary, and these stories are shared to provide diverse perspectives.
- Kane had a negative experience with Seroquel. Despite expressing concerns about weight gain, their doctor dismissed it. However, Kane noticed significant weight gain and decided to stop taking the medication. They feel relieved to have made that choice and express openness to exploring alternative options.
- Ann, who was prescribed Seroquel for mood stabilization, had a mixed experience. Initially, she felt the positive effects of improved sleep and mood. However, after a few weeks, she started experiencing unpleasant side effects such as severe constipation and internal tremors. She also faced challenges with sleep disturbances, mood swings, and panic attacks. While her mood improved after discontinuing the medication, she still experienced residual muscle twitches.
- Kae strongly dislikes Seroquel and describes it as a terrible experience. Initially prescribed for sleep, Kae encountered distressing side effects like racing heart, breathing difficulties, excessive hunger, blurry vision, and impaired cognitive function. Currently, Kae is gradually reducing the dosage but struggles with sleep disturbances, restless legs, and daytime fatigue. They caution against recommending Seroquel to others.
- Jenny’s encounter with Seroquel resulted in severe illness and ICU admission. While in the ICU, Jenny experienced undesirable effects such as leg spasms, excessive drooling, aggravated diabetes, and cognitive impairment. Once she discovered that Seroquel was the cause, she insisted on discontinuing the medication, leading to immediate improvement in her symptoms.
- Okey shares their unpleasant experience with Seroquel, primarily dealing with persistent leg tickling sensations, sleep disturbances, and the feeling of nearly swallowing their tongue. Okey finds these side effects highly distressing and advises against using the medication.
- Jendough describes their experience with Seroquel as terrible, feeling disconnected and experiencing memory lapses while on the medication. They also noticed significant weight gain, particularly around the belly/waist area, which impacted their body image and confidence. Jendough strongly advises against using Seroquel due to the long-lasting effects it had on their body.
Conclusion
We hope that the Seroquel horror stories presented above will assist you in making the best decision regarding your and your loved one’s psychological treatment. Because this medication has numerous side effects, and many people claim to have experienced them. It is preferable that you ask your doctor for an alternative to Seroquel. If a person experiences Seroquel side effects, they should immediately notify their doctor so that the therapy can be modified.
