Seroquel, a drug also known under its generic name quetiapine, is an antipsychotic drug that is commonly prescribed to treat conditions like bipolar disorder, as well as major depression. Although Seroquel is highly efficient in managing mental health issues, stopping it could trigger various withdrawal symptoms. In this post, we’ll discuss the symptoms of discontinuation that could be experienced, their causes, and how to handle them effectively.

What Is Seroquel and Why Is It Prescribed?

Seroquel affects neurotransmitters within the brain, specifically serotonin and dopamine. These are responsible for regulating mood, behavior, and cognition. By modulating these chemicals, Seroquel aids in stabilizing mood and relieving symptoms of mental illness.

While it is essential for those who are on Seroquel to follow the advice of their physician regarding dosage and stopping the medication, stopping Seroquel in a hurry or under medical oversight may result in severe withdrawal symptoms. It’s often called the discontinuation syndrome.

Common Seroquel discontinuation symptoms

The signs that can result when you stop taking Seroquel can vary from person to person and may be influenced by factors like dosage, length of time the medication was used, and whether the withdrawal was abrupt or gradual. Here are a few of the most commonly reported withdrawal symptoms:

1. Insomnia

Insomnia is a frequently identified symptom. Seroquel contains sedative properties that can aid in sleeping. If the medication is stopped, the abrupt absence of sedative effects can be difficult for the body, leading to sleep disturbances.

2. Anxiety and Agitation

A few people experience an increase in anxiety and agitation, as well as restlessness, after stopping Seroquel. The reason for this is that the body isn’t experiencing the relaxing effects of the medication, which can lead to a rebound effect, where anxiety can increase temporarily.

3. Mood Swings and Irritability

Seroquel helps regulate mood, so when it’s not being used, mood swings, irritability, and mood swings can be observed. Some people may be easily annoyed or irritable as their bodies and brains adapt to the lack of medication. In certain instances, the mood changes could be extreme.

4. Dizziness and Headaches

When you stop taking Seroquel, it can cause physical symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, and headaches. These symptoms can be triggered by the body’s attempt to balance neurotransmitter levels and adjust to life without the medication.

5. Nausea and Vomiting

Discontinuing a medication can cause digestive symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or an inability to eat. These symptoms are usually caused by the body’s response to the lack of medication’s sedative properties, which may cause digestive disturbances.

6. Flu-like Symptoms

Some people experience symptoms resembling flu, such as muscle aches, chills, fatigue, and aches. This is the body’s response to the abrupt chemical changes after Seroquel is eliminated from the system.

7. Tinnitus

Tinnitus or ear ringing has been experienced by a few people following the discontinuation of Seroquel. This is usually a temporary symptom that diminishes as the body adapts.

8. Cognitive Impairment

Trouble concentrating or recalling information could also result. The brain’s cognitive functions could be temporarily affected when it tries to achieve balance without medication.

9. Rebound Psychosis

In certain instances, patients who took Seroquel for illnesses like schizophrenia could have a relapse from their schizophrenia symptoms (e.g., hallucinations and delusions, etc.) following the discontinuation of the medication. The issue is serious and a sign that needs to be treated immediately by a medical professional.

Why Do Seroquel discontinuation symptoms Occur?

The Seroquel discontinuation symptoms are primarily because of the brain’s dependence on the drug to keep the balance of neurotransmitter activity. Seroquel blocks specific receptors within the brain; if it’s suddenly removed, the body requires some time to adjust. In the absence of the medication, it results in an imbalance that lasts for a short time and causes the mental and physical withdrawal signs mentioned previously.

How to Safely Discontinue Seroquel

Stopping Seroquel must always be performed with the guidance of a health expert. The abrupt stoppage of the medication could make withdrawal more severe symptoms. Here’s how you can stop taking Seroquel

1. Consult your doctor: Don’t stop taking Seroquel without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will develop an individual tapering program to decrease the dosage gradually, helping reduce withdrawal symptoms.
2. Slow Reduction: Instead of stopping abruptly, your doctor might suggest decreasing your dosage over time. This allows your body to adjust gradually and also helps prevent withdrawal symptoms from becoming intense.
3. Monitor Signs and Symptoms: If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, track your symptoms and inform your physician. This will assist them in adjusting your tapering regimen if necessary.
4. Take a look at alternative treatments: If you’re stopping taking Seroquel because it is not working or is causing negative side effects, your doctor might recommend alternative medicines or treatments to treat your condition.
5. Find support: Before you quit a medication such as Seroquel, it’s essential to have a system of support in place. It doesn’t matter if it’s family, friends, or a therapist. Having someone to discuss this with can ease anxiety and help keep you on track.

The Role of PGX Testing in Managing Seroquel Discontinuation Symptoms

Pharmacogenomic (PGX) tests are a crucial element in the treatment and diagnosis of Seroquel withdrawal symptoms by determining the genetic factors that affect an individual’s reaction to the drug. The PGX test can reveal how genes influence the metabolism of drugs and could help predict how they’ll react to the discontinuation of Seroquel. If you can understand these genetic variations, medical professionals can adapt their tapering strategies to the person, decreasing withdrawal symptoms and enhancing the outcomes of treatment. For example, people who have genetic differences that cause slower drug metabolism can experience long-lasting withdrawal symptoms and could require a slower decrease in dosage. This approach is customized to ensure that you are more secure and have a smoother withdrawal from the drug.

Conclusion

The decision to stop taking Seroquel is not something to be made in a hurry since withdrawal symptoms may be unpleasant and even deadly in certain cases. Always consult with your doctor before stopping or reducing your dosage. The gradual tapering process can help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and allow your body to adapt properly.

If you or someone close to you is experiencing difficulty with the cessation of Seroquel, do not be afraid to contact medical professionals. With the proper support and preparation, you will be able to navigate the difficulties of a medication withdrawal successfully.

References

https://consensus.app/questions/symptoms-of-withdrawal-from-seroquel/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33059460/
https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.162.5.1020

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