Seroquel (Quetiapine) Side Effects

Seroquel (Quetiapine) Side Effects Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Print Seroquel (Quetiapine) Side Effects By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on January 07, 2020 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD on January 07, 2020 Hitoshi Nishimura / Getty Images More in Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Symptoms Diagnosis In This Article Table of Contents Expand Common Side Effects Serious Side Effects Seeking Emergency Help Overdose Effects Other Precautions View All Back To Top Seroquel (quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic drug used in the treatment of schizophrenia and the psychotic features of other mental illnesses, and for mood disorders, including bipolar disorder. Patients taking Seroquel should be aware of the potential side effects. Common Side Effects Check with your doctor if any of the following common side effects dont go away or are bothersome:?? ConstipationDizzinessLightheadedness, or fainting, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting positionDrowsinessDry mouthWeight gainIndigestionAbdominal painAbnormal visionDecrease in appetiteDecreased strength and energyFeeling of fast or irregular heartbeatHeadacheIncreased muscle toneIncreased sweatingStuffy or runny nose Serious Side Effects Along with its therapeutic effects, Seroquel can sometimes cause serious side effects. Some side effects will have symptoms that you can see or feel. Your doctor may watch for others, such as changes in the lenses of the eyes, by doing certain tests. Tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder, may occur and may not go away after you stop using Seroquel.?? This was much more common with the older antipsychotic medications, but can very rarely occur with the newer atypical agents such as Seroquel. Signs of tardive dyskinesia include fine, worm-like movements of the tongue, or other uncontrolled movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, or arms and legs. When to Seek Emergency Help Another serious but extremely rare side effect that may occur as a result of taking Seroquel is  neuroleptic malignant syndrome  (NMS).?? Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help immediately if the following symptoms of NMS occur, particularly if they occur together: Convulsions (seizures)Difficult or unusually fast breathingFast heartbeat or irregular pulseHigh feverHigh or low (irregular) blood pressureIncreased sweatingSevere muscle stiffness Overdose Effects Notify your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms of overdose occur. These symptoms may be more severe than side effects occurring at regular doses, or several symptoms may occur together: DrowsinessFast, slow, or irregular heartbeatLow blood pressureWeakness Other Precautions If youre taking or plan to take Seroquel, keep in mind these precautions:?? Because Seroquel may cause drowsiness, dont drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor.Dont ever stop Seroquel or change the amount you are taking without your doctors approval, even if you feel better. This can lead to unwanted effects and problems managing your illness.Make sure you dont miss any doses of Seroquel as this can lead to a relapse of the symptoms of your mental disorder.If you use alcohol or illegal drugs, tell your doctor since these may make any side effects you experience even worse.Make sure to drink plenty of fluids while on Seroquel and avoid becoming overheated.