Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic medicine that contains an active ingredient called Quetiapine. It is available as Seroquel tablet and Seorquel XL prolonged release tablet. Atypical antipsychotics are usually considered as first line treatment for schizophrenia. Doctors usually prescribe this drug for newly diagnosed schizophrenic patient, especially during the acute episode where it is not possible to discuss with the individual.
Schizophrenia is a psychotic disease, where there is over activity of brain chemicals namely dopamine and serotonin. In a normal individual dopamine and serotonin are known to regulate mood and behavior.
Seroquel is recommended for patients above the age of 18, to treat schizophrenia. In some cases doctors may prescribe this drug in patients above the age of 13. Seroquel is a prescription drug, it is necessary to take the medicinal dose as advised by the doctor. Patient should never stop seroquel abruptly without the permission of doctor, as this may lead to serouel withdrawal.
Seroquel Withdrawal Symptoms
The biggest fear of Seroquel withdrawal is resurgence of schizophrenia symptoms, they may be worse than prior to taking Seroquel.
The content Quetiapine, present in Seroquel tablet is not habit forming. Therefore there is no chance of drug abuse, but withdrawal of Seroquel is still observed, especially if it is stopped abruptly. This is because the brain may require some time to adjust the decreased level of quetiapine. Following are the Seroquel withdrawal symptoms observed in patients:
- Hallucination and delusion. (Abnormal dreams and nightmares).
- Nausea.
- Tiredness.
- Sleeplessness.
- Headache.
- Irritability.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Diarrhea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Episodes of fainting.
- Decreased sex drive or loss of libido.
- Trouble while swallowing food.
- Breathlessness.
- Depression and mania.
- Pain in extrimities, especially arms and legs.
- Blurred vision.
- Excessive thirst and urine.
- Suicidal thoughts and patient feels as if he is worthless.
- Weight loss.
- Difficulty in concentrating.
- Breast enlargement in men.
Seroquel Withdrawal Timeline And Treatment
Psychological withdrawal symptoms of Seroquel may not have any timeline, as they may be the manifesting symptoms of schizophrenia itself, after withdrawal of the drug. To prevent withdrawal symptoms, the physician will slowly taper the dose of Seroquel, so that brain becomes accustomed to the gradual decrease. Even if he is substituting other antipsychotic medicine, he may recommend gradual reduction in the dosage of Seroquel. Always inform the treating physician of any symptoms of withdrawal after stopping the medicine.
Some of the symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are always present after discontinuing the drug Seroquel. But the severity may vary from one person to another. It may worsen when a person is in motion or he is moving in a car or carriage. These symptoms may persist for few days to weeks, depending on the period since you are taking the drug, as well as since how many days you have stopped it.
Insomnia is another bothersome withdrawal symptom that needs to be treated. There are exercises for mind and body that can help a person to tackle the sleep problem. Drinking enough water, eliminating caffeine, chocolates and stimulant drinks especially before retiring to the bed may be an effective way to treat insomnia. Yoga and meditation are worth trying in such cases.
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