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.

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.

Although safe to most patients, like any medicine, it carries a risk of overdose, especially if not taken according to a doctor’s instructions.

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. 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 suicide.
• Combination with other drugs: Interactions with alcohol, drugs of abuse, or other medications can worsen the toxicity effect of Seroquel.

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 fainting.
• Confusion: 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.

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 that healthcare professional and their vital signs. The intensity of overdose should dictate the levels of treatment conducted, which 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 intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and administer fluids to maintain blood pressure, oxygen therapy to support breathing problems, and drugs to reverse specific symptoms, such as a seizure.
• Cardiac Monitoring: An overdose can result in problems with heart rhythm, so the heart’s electrical activity can be monitored closely.
• 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 upon 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.

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 minimize 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.

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 help doctors determine that the genetic disposition of the person causes him to metabolize 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 risk involved.
If you ever feel that there has been an overdose or extreme side effects, seek emergency assistance without delay.

References

https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/you-overdose-seroquel-3577475/
https://greenhousetreatment.com/what-is-seroquel/withdrawal/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2804057/

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