In addition to its antihistamine effects, Seroquel also blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, which may contribute to its sedative effects. But may also dampen the reward system which can make life feel a little dull. Some people even describe feeling like a zombie, especially at higher doses.
Quetiapine is an antipsychotic medication that treats several kinds of mental health conditions including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It balances the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your brain. These hormones help regulate your mood, behaviors and thoughts.
It's possible to experience changes in your mood while taking quetiapine. In rare cases, it may increase feelings of depression, or raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Bottom Line. Seroquel is an antipsychotic that helps to calm and relieve psychotic thoughts. It is often given because it is quite sedating; however, care is needed because it also lowers blood pressure.
For some patients, this medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel more depressed and have thoughts about hurting yourself.
Some people experience suicidal thoughts and behaviours while taking antipsychotics. This can happen particularly in the early stages of taking this medication. If you are concerned about experiencing suicidal feelings while taking antipsychotics, speak to your doctor or psychiatrist.
Even a small increase in quetiapine could cause serotonin syndrome in patients taking serotonergic agents.
It is also known as a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) or atypical antipsychotic. Quetiapine rebalances dopamine and serotonin to improve thinking, mood, and behavior.
To begin with you may find that quetiapine makes you feel more alert and less slowed down. Many people do not have any side effects. Over time, you may find that quetiapine makes you: feel calmer and less upset.
Taking quetiapine may make you feel tired or dizzy, and may affect your eyesight when you start taking it. This could affect you if you drive a car, ride a bike, or do anything else that needs a lot of focus. It might be best to stop doing these things for the first few days, until you know how it affects you.
Manic (periods of high energy) and mixed episodes (both manic and depressive symptoms) may improve about 3 weeks after starting Seroquel. Depressive episodes seem to improve in about 8 weeks (about 2 months).
Seroquel binds to dopamine receptors, preventing dopamine itself from binding to its receptor, thereby interfering with its function. The second mechanism through which Seroquel acts is by blocking serotonin receptors, primarily one called 5HT2A.
Seroquel and weight gain connection is sometimes thought to be the result of the body changing the way it stores fat. The user may notice packing on fat in areas of the body that were previously slim. This may be caused by Quetiapine as well.
Blocking the action of dopamine.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which means that it passes messages around your brain. Most antipsychotic drugs are known to block some of the dopamine receptors in the brain. This reduces the flow of these messages, which can help to reduce your psychotic symptoms.
The biggest disadvantages of Seroquel are the potential long-term side effects, which can include tardive dyskinesia, increased blood sugar, cataracts, and weight gain. For teens and young adults, the medication may also cause an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Quetiapine is an antipsychotic that calms and sedates, helping to relieve psychotic thoughts and manic and depressive behavior.
Seroquel works by helping to restore balance to the chemical messengers in your brain. It can help to improve concentration, decrease anxiety, and improve your moods and energy levels.
Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior
Taking quetiapine (Seroquel) can make your depression worse and cause you to have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. The risk is highest if you're 24 years of age or younger, during the first few weeks of taking the medication, and when your dose changes.
Quetiapine can cause postural hypotension so it should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease. Other common adverse effects are somnolence, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness and altered liver function.
Regarding the dopaminergic pathway, quetiapine leads to an increasing of prefrontal dopamine release by antagonism of5-HT2A receptors, partial agonist of 5-HT1A and antagonism of a2 adrenoceptors.
On antidepressant medication, it is possible that you might experience a sense of feeling numb and less like yourself. Though the symptoms of depression have decreased, there may be a sense that other emotional responses – laughing or crying, for example – are more difficult to experience.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is found in omega-3 fish oils and is thought to have beneficial effects in mitigating psychiatric symptoms such as those found in patients with schizophrenia, a safe alternative to Seroquel.
Causes of Apathy
Excessive doses of antipsychotics can contribute to apathy.
Quetiapine is unlikely to interfere with the metabolism of drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Absorption: Quetiapine fumarate is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, reaching peak plasma concentrations in 1.5 hours. The tablet formulation is 100% bioavailable relative to solution.
While many people gain weight while taking Seroquel as prescribed, the result isn't inevitable. Some are able to remain within a healthy weight by following their doctors' orders regarding a healthy balance of diet and exercise.