Seroquel Claims Attorneys

Mobile, Alabama

Seroquel (generic quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Seroquel has been linked to diabetes, high blood sugar, death in elderly people with dementia, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), and Tardive Dyskinesia (TD).

Diabetes, Weight Gain, High Blood Sugar

In 2004, the journal Diabetes Care issued a joint statement by the American Diabetes Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the North American Association for the Study of Obesity, and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists warning that Seroquel users are at an elevated risk for developing obesity and high cholesterol, and that the drug more than triples the risk of developing diabetes. Seroquel users are also at an elevated risk for developing high blood sugar.

Elderly Patients with Dementia

Seroquel has not been approved for use in elderly patients with dementia, and studies have shown that this application of the drug carries a significantly increased risk of death, often from heart problems or infections.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

NMS is a life-threatening condition of the central nervous system that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include:

Rapid or abnormal heartbeat
Blood pressure changes
Sweating
High fever
Stiff muscles
Confusion

Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)

TD is a movement disorder that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include:

Uncontrollable rhythmic movements of the face, jaw, mouth, or tongue
Lip pursing
Chewing movements
Protrusion of the tongue

Low Blood Pressure

Seroquel use can cause low blood pressure producing the following symptoms:

Dizziness
Light-headedness
Rapid heartbeat
Fainting

Other side effects

Seroquel users may also experience numerous other side effects including:

Impaired judgment
Impaired motor skills
Impaired thinking
Cataracts
Seizures
Thyroid problems
Liver problems
Difficulty swallowing
Body temperature problems

Labeling

In August, 2003 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered Astra Zeneca, maker of Seroquel, to add warnings to Seroquel's label regarding the serious risk of diabetes. AstraZeneca did not change the label until January, 2004. In January, 2005, the FDA ordered the addition of a black box label warning of the increased risk of death. Black box warnings are reserved for drugs which carry a risk for serious or life-threatening effects.

Off label uses

The FDA only approves medications for specific uses. Off label prescribing occurs when drugs are prescribed for anything other than what the drug is approved for by the FDA. Off label prescribing is legal - doctors can prescribe a drug for any condition they feel it may successfully treat. Off label marketing, however, is not legal. Common off label uses of Seroquel include treatment of:

Sleep disorders
Anxiety
Tourette's Syndrome in children
Autism
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Alcoholism
Parkinson's disease
Depression

Like any antipsychotic medication, you should only stop taking Seroquel under a doctor's supervision. Sudden cessation of Seroquel can have dangerous side effects.

If you or a loved one has suffered NMS, TD, low blood pressure or other serious side effects after taking Seroquel, please contact our Mobile, Alabama Seroquel complications attorneys today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.

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