Seroquel refers to a once-daily tablet that has been approved for adults (and sometimes adolescents and children) who need antidepressant therapy or suffer from bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. When taking seroquel, it would be best to get ready for any potential seroquel side effects that you might experience.

The most common side effects out there include dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, dizziness, upset stomach, increased appetite, weight gain, language and speech disturbance, stuffy nose and fatigue. However, there are also more serious and extreme side effects of seroquel. In fact, antidepressants can increase the overall risk of suicidal actions and thoughts in several young adults and children, so these patients need to be watched very closely when they start seroquel treatment in case unusual changes occur in their irritability, behavior, and agitation. Such seroquel side effects should be reported to physicians right away.

Other serious side effects of seroquel exist that would need to be reported, as well. Since hypoglycemia, for example, could lead to comas or even death, your doctor needs to check your risk for diabetes before starting you on it. On the other hand, weight gain is one of the many milder side effects of the drug; but if you are particularly conscious about your weight, you should make sure you keep a regular eye on it. As for adolescents and children, always make sure their blood pressure is checked prior to starting seroquel since it could lead to a slight increase of blood pressure, too.

Other seroquel issues with side effects that would require medical attention include low counts of white blood cells, cataracts, abnormal thyroid tests, seizures, prolactin level increases, liver enzyme increasing, painful and prolonged erections and difficulties in swallowing. A cataract eye exam would also be advisable prior to starting treatment, as well as every half a year after that.

Drowsiness is another of the many side effects that have been reported. Because of this, it would be advisable not to take part in any activities that have to do with driving or machine operation for a while until you feel normal and know you can do it safely. Try to avoid getting dehydrated or overheated while taking seroquel, as well. Alcohol should also be avoided at all costs.

If you happen to be pregnant or have plans of getting pregnant, let your doctor know as this could affect his decision of putting you on seroquel to begin with. For mothers who are breast feeding, do not take seroquel at all or avoid breast feeding altogether if you do.

Naturally, this is not a full summary of the seroquel side effects you could encounter. If you want to stay completely safe, get more safety information on this product from your healthcare provider and make sure you listen closely to all of his instructions while you’re at it.