Seroquel Overdose: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic drug. It is given for the treatment of mental disorders, primarily for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. When taken appropriately, it preserves the chemicals within the brain to smooth the symptoms. In overdose, though, Seroquel can be fatal, and its cure requires urgent medical attention in a hospital. This blog post talks about the symptoms, risks, treatment, and prevention of Seroquel overdose. Each year, thousands of people experience Seroquel overdoses, highlighting the ongoing need for awareness and proper medication management.

What is Seroquel (Quetiapine)?

Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic. It works through changes in the neurotransmitters of the brain that may either diminish or modify their effects, affecting mood, thought, and action within the functioning of this system. It is pretty effective in psychiatric disorders and may be very helpful as an adjunct in treating depression and anxiety. It is often used in conjunction with other antidepressant medications, which can sometimes increase the risk of adverse effects if dosing instructions are not followed carefully.

Although safe for most patients, like any medicine, it carries a risk of overdose, especially if not taken according to a doctor’s instructions. Though it is primarily prescribed for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or MDD, doctors sometimes encounter cases where patients take it incorrectly, emphasizing the importance of adherence to prescription guidelines.

What Happens in a Seroquel Overdose?

An overdose is a state in which a person takes more of Seroquel than he has been advised to take. Many people struggle to find the right approach for managing their mental health, and in some cases, Seroquel misuse or accidental overdose complicates treatment efforts. Since Seroquel is a CNS-active drug, overdose, even more than what is prescribed, can cause serious problems for the body.

Causes of Overdose:

• Accidental overdose: Many individuals may take more than what is prescribed without being aware of it.
• Suicidal overdose: Some may do it intentionally due to psychological disorders such as depression and suicidal.
• Combination with other drugs: Interactions with alcohol, medications, or drugs of abuse can worsen Seroquel toxicity, and its overdose carries unique risks compared to traditional treatments like SSRIs or benzodiazepines.

Intentional overdoses account for the majority of cases, so early recognition of psychological distress and suicidal intent is critical in preventing severe outcomes

Overdose Symptoms of Seroquel

The symptoms will be determined according to the dosage taken for Seroquel. Some symptomatic presentations of an overdose of Seroquel are:

• Sleepiness: Seroquel is a sedative, and the overdose leads the patient to excessive sleepiness or Coma
• Rapid Heart Rate (Tachycardia): The heart will begin racing at an inappropriate or irregular rhythm.
• Hypotension or Low Blood Pressure: The drug causes low blood pressure; the patient feels dizzy or faints.
• Confusion: A Coma may be mistaken for a mental state of hallucinations or confusion.
• Seizures: Seizures can happen due to overdose.
• Respiratory Depression: Breathing might slow down or become shallow.
• Coma: In extreme conditions, a coma may occur due to an overdose.

A study of 945 Seroquel overdoses found serious cases often led to coma, breathing problems, and low blood pressure, showing the need for urgent hospital care.

Warning: As reported by drugs.com, Seroquel overdose may increase the risk of serious complications, including coma or cardiac irregularities, especially in younger patients.

What to Do in Case of an Overdose?

In case you feel that someone has overdosed on Seroquel, seek medical help immediately. Here’s what to do:

• Call Emergency Services: Dial emergency medical services immediately (911 or your local emergency number).
• Do Not Induce Vomiting: Avoid inducing the person to vomit unless specifically directed to do so by a healthcare provider. Inducing vomiting can sometimes make things worse.
• Provide Information: If possible, notify emergency responders of the amount of Seroquel taken, when it was taken, and if any other substances were involved.

Treatment for an Overdose of Seroquel

The overdose of Seroquel requires hospital treatment conducted while the patient is under the careful observation and caring attention of a healthcare professional and their vital signs. The intensity of overdose should dictate the levels of treatment conducted. Unlike some other antipsychotics, quetiapine overdose carries a higher risk of requiring tracheal intubation and major medical interventions, emphasizing careful monitoring in emergency settings.

Treatments include:

• Activated Charcoal: This can be administered to a patient if an overdose has just occurred or within the last hour; this can be administered to the patient in an attempt to arrest all absorption of further drugs into the blood.
• Supportive Care: This can include IV fluids for dehydration and blood pressure, oxygen for breathing, and medications for symptoms such as seizures. remains the main treatment, often more important than aggressive interventions.
• Cardiac Monitoring: An overdose can affect heart rhythm, so cardiac monitoring is essential. Rarely, ventricular arrhythmias may occur, highlighting the need for close observation.
• Stomach Pumps: This is a gastric lavage wherein the doctor applies stomach pumping to remove any pills remaining in the stomach if the overdose has happened recently.

The length of stay in the hospital depends on the severity of the overdose; most people tend to recover once treated appropriately.

Long-Term Effects of Seroquel Overdose

Most patients treated promptly for Seroquel overdose will fully recover. However, the overdose will lead to lingering side effects from the overdose including the following:

• Cognitive Problems: Any overdose of medication leads to short-term confusion or memory loss.
• Cardiac Issues: In extreme cases, an overdose might lead to permanent heart damage if it is not cured promptly.
• Physical Debilitation: Long-term sedation or Coma may lead to muscle weakness and physical deconditioning, which would require rehabilitation.

Post-overdose recovery may include temporary cognitive impairment and physical deconditioning, underscoring the need for follow-up rehabilitation and cardiac assessment after hospital discharge.

How to Avoid Seroquel Overdose

The absolute way of avoiding a Seroquel overdose is by taking it as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Here are some tips on how to minimise the risk:

• Take as Directed: Never skip or miss any dosage instruction your healthcare provider gives.
• Store Safely: Keep Seroquel and all medications out of reach of children and those who may misuse them.
• Avoid self-medication: Do not increase the dose of Seroquel unless prescribed by your physician, and do not use it with alcohol or other drugs unless approved by your doctor.
• Follow up regularly: Always attend all check-up appointments scheduled with your doctor to monitor the condition and alter medication if needed.
• Know your interactions: Inform them of other medicines or drugs that you might be taking, as this can react with Seroquel to cause an overdose.

Important: Seroquel was primarily approved for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but its use alongside other medications, such as SSRIs or SNRIs, can amplify its effects and potential risks if not carefully monitored.

How PGx Testing Can Help Identify and Prevent an Overdose of Seroquel

Genetic testing (PGx testing) can potentially inform the initiation of tailored medication therapies for patients using Seroquel. It could help identify which genetic factors impact how one’s body absorbs and metabolizes the drug. Moreover, PGx analysis can help in overdose cases to help doctors determine that the genetic disposition of the person causes them to metabolise slowly or rapidly from Seroquel, which is likely to cause variations in how the drug responds or the danger it poses within the body system.

With the adjustment of dosage and treatment with genetic information, PGx testing can help avoid adverse reactions, such as overdose, and promote the use of drugs like Seroquel more safely and effectively.

Conclusion

A Seroquel overdose is one of the most dangerous and requires attention in an emergency. Though it saves many lives, misuse or overuse can result in severe outcomes. The number of lives that could be saved depends on the awareness of overdose symptoms, treatment options available, and prevention. If someone has been prescribed this drug, they should take it as indicated, knowing the possible risks involved.
If you ever feel that there has been an overdose or extreme side effects, seek emergency assistance without delay.

References

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