Seroquel, by AstraZeneca's (NYSE:AZN), is an antipsychotic medication primarily used in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.
Seroquel is the first of a new class of drugs that scientists believe works by diminishing the action of dopamine and serotonin which are chemical messengers in the brain.
The more common side effects can include: Constipation, diminished movement, dizziness, headache, indigestion, low blood pressure, rapid or irregular heartbeat, rash, tremor and weakness.
More serious side effects include: muscle stiffness, confusion, irregular or rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating and high fever. Should you develop these symptoms contact your doctor immediately as they can be signs of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) a serious and potentially fatal reaction to the drug.
Another adverse effect that has been reported with the use of Seroquel is tardive dyskinesia (TD) which is uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue or other body parts.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Seroquel XR (extended release) for schizophrenia in November 2007 and for acute schizophrenia in May 2007.
Seroquel is #7 on Drug Topic's list of Top Brand Name Drugs by Retail Sales in 2007. It saw an increase of 21.4% in retail sales over 2006.
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