Saturday, June 16, 2012

Unintended Side Effects and Management of Seroquel Overdose

By Andreas Gratschmeier


Quetiapine is an antipsychotic drug marketed under the brand Seroquel. This kind of substance is required to take care of psychiatric disorders. It may be utilized safely and securely whenever the recommended amount is taken. When an individual overdoses on Seroquel, it can cause serious adverse reactions. The side effects of a seroquel overdose may be life-threatening and ought to be treated promptly to prevent irreversible problems or death.

Seroquel generally is administered with the first dosage being 25 mg. Followed by raises in amounts of 25-50 mg on the 2nd and 3rd day to a targeted daily dose range of 300 to 400 mg by the 4th day. More dosage changes typically occur at periods of not less than 48 hours, as a steady level for Seroquel in the typical patient wouldn't be attained for about 1-2 days.

In clinical studies tests were made using approximated dosages starting from 1200 mg to 9600 mg with zero deaths. Generally, reported warning signs were those caused by an overstatement of the drug's recognized medicinial side effects, i.e. sleepiness and sedation, tachycardia as well as hypotension. One situation, involving an estimated overdose of 9600 milligrams, has been connected with hypokalemia and 1st degree coronary heart block. There are very rare reviews of overdose of Seroquel leading to loss of life or coma in post-marketing experience.

Unintended side effects of a seroquel overdose may include: Fast heart beat (also referred to as tachycardia), which can increase the probability of stroke or cardiac arrest, disturb the regular function of one's heart and result in sudden cardiac arrest. A person who overdoses on Seroquel can have difficulty staying up and experiencing intense drowsiness. Fainting happens when an individual temporarily loses consciousness. A seroquel overdose may result in dizziness, which represents feelings of weakness, unsteadiness, faintness and wooziness. Fatigue is understood to be an absence of energy or a sense of tiredness in the course of physical exercises.

In the case of serious overdosage create and maintain an airway and assure sufficient oxygenation and ventilation. Stomach lavage and administration of activated charcoal along with a laxative should be considered. The chance of obtundation, seizure or dystonic reaction of the head as well as neck right after an overdose could generate a risk of aspiration with induced vomiting. Cardiovascular monitoring ought to get started promptly and ought to include ongoing electrocardiographic monitoring in order to detect possible arrhythmias.




About the Author:



No comments: