I know some of you read Dr. Gott. Here’s another MD’s opinion about Seroquel (quetiapine). Of course your MD’s opinion may be different!
http://www.montereyherald.com/health/ci_11525837
Ask Dr. Gott: Seroquel not advised for elderly
Peter Gott
Updated: 01/22/2009
Dear Dr. Gott: Please give your opinion on Seroquel being prescribed to a patient with dementia. I’ve heard it is a dangerous drug when given to the elderly, as it can cause death. Should this drug be given long term?
Dear Reader: Seroquel is a medication used to treat conditions such as bipolar disorder. It is not approved for behavioral problems related to dementia. Black-box warnings for elderly patients with a dementia-related psychosis indicate an increased risk of serious side effects, including pneumonia, heart attack, stroke and death.
The product is available in doses from 25 milligram to 300 milligram tablets or capsules by prescription only. When the drug is prescribed for the elderly, the recommended initial dose is 25 milligrams daily. Contraindications are noted for people with a history of hypertension, stroke, thyroid disorder, diabetes, high cholesterol, seizures or heart attack.
Side effects include fever, sweating, uncontrolled muscle movements, severe headaches, visual and gait disturbances, and more. Be sure to speak to the prescribing physician should any symptoms occur.
Seroquel XR extended-release tablets contain black-box warnings because of an increased mortality rate in elderly patients with dementia. XR is indicated for treatment of schizophrenia, a name given to a group of mental disorders in which a patient loses touch with reality and is unable to think or act in a rational manner. The condition is often treated with tranquilizers and specific drugs to lessen the degree of depression.
Extended-release tabs are not recommended for the elderly. Adverse reactions include dry mouth, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, constipation, a feeling of sedation and more.
There are a number of interactions with this drug. Be sure to advise your physician of medications you are taking to ensure there will not be a negative response should he or she choose to prescribe Seroquel XR.
The long-term effectiveness (more than six weeks) has not been fully evaluated. All prescribing physicians should re-evaluate patients on a regular basis.
You are correct that the drug can be dangerous for elderly patients with dementia. I can only hope the prescribing physician fully researched all the options before prescribing it and that the dose is a reasonable one.
All patients regardless of age who are treated with antidepressants or antipsychotics for any condition should be monitored carefully for negative alterations in behavior, especially during the early stages of a new medication. Family and caregivers must be observant and should report those changes accordingly.
If you continue to have unanswered questions and have the legal right to be involved with the care of the individual in question, return to the prescribing physician with a list and request answers. If you are dissatisfied, seek a second opinion.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Consumer Tips on Medicines.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
Write to Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th fl., New York, N.Y. 10016.