Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic drug that is used to treat hallucinations, delusions and confusion caused by psychotic conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Atypical antipsychotics are not SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or benzodiazepines. Atypical antipsychotics like Seroquel affect only certain parts of the brain, blocking the input of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, histamine, and muscarine. The benefit to atypical antipsychotics is that they are non-habit forming and are not as frequently abused as normal antipsychotics.

Some less serious side effects of Seroquel are dizziness, drowsiness, agitation, constipation, dry mouth and weight gain. More serious side effects are allergic reactions that are revealed through breathing problems, swelling of throat, lips, tongue or face, and hives. Other effects are spastic movements of limbs and face or fever, muscle rigidity or irregular heartbeats. However, serious side effects of Seroquel include pancreatitis, hyperclycemia, stroke and being three times as likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Also, some patients on Seroquel have developed Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). While the mortality rate for those with NMS has decreased, it is still a serious condition that results in respiratory failure, cardiovascular collapse, myglobinuric renal failure, arrhythmias, rhabdomyolysis, pneumonia, seizures or diffuse intravascular coagulation.

Furthermore, AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Seroquel, has been charged with promoting the drug for off label use that violated FDA restrictions.

If you or a family member has been affected by Seroquel, you may be entitled to pursue a lawsuit against AstraZeneca. Attorneys are currently pursuing class action lawsuits to establish a fund for those affected by Seroquel.