Serquel's Sleepy Side Effects: How Common Is Oversleeping?

Seroquel, also known as quetiapine, is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is often used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is also sometimes prescribed off-label as a sleep aid due to its sedative effects. While it can be effective in promoting sleep, there are concerns about its long-term use, particularly regarding its potential negative impact on cardiovascular health. The drug can cause drowsiness and sedation, which may be beneficial for sleep but can also impair one's ability to perform tasks requiring alertness. It is important to consult a doctor before taking Seroquel and to be aware of its potential side effects, such as weight gain and metabolic changes.

Seroquel's drowsiness side effect

Seroquel (quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is commonly used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is also sometimes prescribed off-label as a sleep aid due to its sedative effects. While Seroquel can be effective at promoting sleep, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects, particularly drowsiness.

Drowsiness and sedation are common side effects of Seroquel, occurring in 18% to 57% of patients in clinical trials. This side effect is due to its antihistamine properties and its effects on the adrenergic alpha1 receptors in the brain. The sedative effects of Seroquel can be helpful for promoting sleep, but they can also impair your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. It is recommended that you do not drive or operate hazardous machinery if Seroquel makes you sleepy.

When starting Seroquel or changing your dose, it is important to avoid activities that require alertness until you know how the medication affects you. If you experience excessive sleepiness from Seroquel that does not improve, your healthcare provider may lower your dose or switch you to another antipsychotic.

In addition to drowsiness, other side effects of Seroquel may include dry mouth, weight gain, constipation, blurred vision, confusion, headache, agitation, and abdominal pain. It is important to discuss any side effects with your doctor and not to stop taking Seroquel abruptly, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, low mood, dizziness, and headache.

Seroquel's use as a sleep aid

Seroquel (quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is commonly used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. It is also sometimes prescribed off-label as a sleep aid due to its sedative effects. While Seroquel can be effective in promoting sleep, there are potential risks and side effects associated with its use.

How Seroquel Promotes Sleep

Seroquel helps people fall asleep by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical in the body that promotes wakefulness. Additionally, it blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, which may contribute to its sedative effects. At higher doses, Seroquel also affects serotonin and dopamine receptors, contributing to its use as an antidepressant and antipsychotic medication.

Dosage for Sleep

When used as a sleep aid, Seroquel is typically prescribed at low doses ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg before bedtime. It is important to note that Seroquel is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of insomnia and should only be used for this purpose under the supervision of a doctor.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While Seroquel can be effective in promoting sleep, there are several potential risks and side effects to consider. These include:

• Drowsiness and sedation: This can be helpful for promoting sleep but can also impair the ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Weight gain: Seroquel has been associated with weight gain, which can increase the risk of obesity and related health problems.
• Increased risk of falls: The sedative effects of Seroquel may increase the risk of falls and related injuries, especially in older adults.
• Increased risk of cardiovascular issues: A recent study raised concerns about the long-term use of Seroquel and its potential negative effects on cardiovascular health.
• Increased risk of diabetes: Long-term use of Seroquel has been linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes.
• Increased risk of death in older adults with dementia: Seroquel has a black box warning from the FDA stating that it should not be used to treat behavioural problems in older adults with dementia due to an increased risk of death.

Alternative Treatment Options

If you are concerned about the potential risks of using Seroquel as a sleep aid, there are alternative treatment options available. These include non-pharmacological approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and good sleep hygiene practices. Additionally, relaxation techniques and addressing the root cause of sleep disturbances can also help improve sleep quality.

Seroquel's effects on cardiovascular health

Seroquel is a brand name for quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug. While it is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression, it is sometimes prescribed off-label as a sleep aid due to its sedative effects.

There are concerns about the long-term use of this medication, particularly regarding its potential negative effects on cardiovascular health. Here is a closer look at the potential impact of Seroquel on cardiovascular health:

Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Death:

• A boxed warning on Seroquel's label cautions that the drug should be avoided in combination with at least 12 other medications linked to a heart arrhythmia that can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
• The warning was added after reports of arrhythmia in individuals who took higher than recommended doses of Seroquel.
• The use of Seroquel in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis is associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular causes.
• A recent study compared the long-term use of Seroquel with another class of sleep aid medications ("Z-drugs") and found that those taking Seroquel had worse outcomes in terms of cardiovascular disease and an increased risk of death.

Cardiac Adverse Events:

• A 2023 study analysed cardiac adverse events associated with quetiapine by mining data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).
• A total of 1004 cases of quetiapine-associated cardiac adverse events were identified, with 31 signals detected, including 13 new and unexpected signals.
• The most commonly reported cardiac adverse events included dizziness, tachycardia, palpitations, and cardiorespiratory arrest.
• The study also found that females were more likely to experience cardiotoxicity with quetiapine than males, and that the risk of cardiac adverse events was higher in younger patients.

Other Cardiovascular Risks:

• Seroquel may cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when standing up, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, and an increased risk of falls and related injuries.
• Long-term use of Seroquel may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and related heart disease.
• Some studies have suggested an association between quetiapine and cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, tachycardia, hypotension, and prolonged QT interval.
• There is also a potential association between quetiapine and an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death.

In conclusion, while Seroquel can be effective in treating certain mental health disorders and, in lower doses, improving sleep, it is important to be aware of its potential effects on cardiovascular health. The long-term use of Seroquel may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, cardiac adverse events, and death, especially in certain populations such as the elderly and those with dementia-related psychosis. More research is needed to fully understand these risks, and patients should discuss the benefits and risks of taking Seroquel with their doctor.

Seroquel's potential for abuse

Seroquel, the brand name for the generic drug quetiapine, is an atypical antipsychotic medication. It is commonly used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. It is also sometimes prescribed off-label as a sleep aid due to its sedative effects. While Seroquel is not a controlled substance, it has been associated with a potential for misuse and abuse, particularly when used beyond its approved indications.

Potential for Abuse

Seroquel acts on various brain receptors, including dopamine and serotonin, to alter activity within several neurotransmitter systems. It is known for its potent antihistamine properties, which can help reduce wakefulness and promote sleep. While it is not a drug that is commonly abused, there have been reports of its misuse, especially in institutional settings like prisons and inpatient mental health care facilities.

Some people may abuse Seroquel for its sedative effects or as a form of self-medication for anxiety or insomnia. It has also been used to enhance the desirable effects of illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or marijuana, or to counter their adverse effects. The drug has been referred to by various street names, such as "Suzie-Q", "Q-ball", or "baby heroin", indicating its illicit use.

A 10-year retrospective study using data from the National Poison Data System reported 2,118 cases of quetiapine abuse, comprising 60.6% of all cases involving second-generation antipsychotics. This may be due to its frequent prescription, making it more readily available for abuse. However, it is important to note that schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, the conditions Seroquel is primarily used to treat, are relatively uncommon mental illnesses.

Signs of Abuse

The abuse of Seroquel can lead to both physical and mental side effects. Physical side effects may include nausea, vomiting, breast enlargement in men, and missed menstrual cycles in women. Additionally, those who abuse the drug may crush and snort it or mix it with water and inject it intravenously, which are extremely dangerous practices that can lead to overdose. Signs of intravenous injection include skin infections at the injection site, track marks, and paraphernalia.

Mental side effects of Seroquel abuse can include irritability, mood swings, foggy or unclear thinking, trouble speaking clearly, unusual dreams or nightmares, and other sleep disturbances. Other signs of prescription drug abuse may include needing frequent refills, stealing the drug, or experiencing financial, legal, or social consequences due to intoxication.

Treatment for Abuse

While abuse of Seroquel is rare, it can be very dangerous. If you or someone you know is abusing Seroquel, it is important to seek help from an addiction specialist. Treatment may involve safely tapering off the medication and entering a rehabilitation program that provides evidence-based therapy to change behaviours around prescription drugs or illicit substances.

Seroquel's side effects

Seroquel (quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is used to treat several mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. While it can be effective in treating these conditions, it also has several side effects that users should be aware of. Here is a detailed look at some of the side effects associated with Seroquel:

Drowsiness and Sedation:

Seroquel is known to cause drowsiness and sedation as a side effect. This can be helpful for promoting sleep, especially in the treatment of insomnia or other sleep disorders. However, it can also impair your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. It is important to use caution when taking Seroquel and avoid activities that require mental alertness until you know how it affects you.

Weight Gain:

Seroquel has been associated with weight gain, which can increase the risk of obesity and related health problems. In clinical studies, a significant percentage of people taking Seroquel experienced weight gain, with some gaining 7% or more of their body weight. This side effect is more common in children and adults.

Increased Risk of Falls:

The sedative effects of Seroquel can increase the risk of falls and related injuries, especially in older adults. This is due to the drug's ability to lower blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up. It is important for users to get up slowly when rising from a lying or sitting position to reduce the risk of falls.

Increased Risk of Diabetes:

Long-term use of Seroquel has been linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes. This is because the drug can cause high blood sugar levels, which can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. It is important for users to monitor their blood sugar levels and consult their healthcare provider if they notice any changes.

Cardiovascular Effects:

A recent study has raised concerns about the long-term use of Seroquel and its potential negative effects on cardiovascular health. The study found that those taking Seroquel had worse outcomes in terms of cardiovascular disease and an increased risk of death compared to those taking other sleep aids. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks.

Allergic Reactions:

Seroquel may cause serious allergic reactions in some individuals. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Other Side Effects:

In addition to the side effects mentioned above, Seroquel may also cause the following:

• Increased appetite
• Upset stomach or indigestion
• Abnormal liver function tests
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation
• Pain or trouble swallowing
• High blood pressure
• Fast, slow, or uneven heart rate
• Blurred vision
• Seizures
• Cataracts
• Low thyroid levels
• High blood sugar
• Low white blood cell counts

It is important to note that this is not a complete list of side effects, and other less common or rare side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking Seroquel, be sure to consult your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Frequently asked questions