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FDA and Prescription Drugs

8/14/2008
Paul Napoli
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Seroquel, also known as Quetiapine, is a drug that is used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Seroquel, manufactured by Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, was approved by the FDA in 1997. Seroquel was also used to control bipolar disorders as well as hallucinations, delusions, and hostility that were effects of having this disorder. After use of the drug, it was found that it produced some common negative side effects including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, weight gain, and fatigue.

After some time Seroquel was linked to complications that involved muscle deterioration, distorted state of mind, and irregular blood pressure. These symptoms are linked to Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in which is a very serious condition that must seek medial attention. Seroquel was also linked to Tardive Dyskinesia, which is linked to a disorder found in the central nervous system that causes ticks and involuntary movements of the arms and legs. By 2003, the FDA realized what was happening with Seroquel and recommended that a warning be published since studies showed the links to the complications. In this study it showed that people who took Seroquel were more than twice as likely to develop diabetes than people who took another drug.

People who took Seroquel that developed NMS have seen horrible side effects and complications. NMS is a fatal neurological disorder that can be formed by unfavorable reactions to antipsychotic drugs such as Seroquel. NMS can cause a decrease in attention and focus, as well as perception. Seroquel has also been marketed as a drug for ill-tempered and grouchy teenagers. However, studies have shown that those under the age of 18 who take Seroquel can cause suicidal thinking. Seroquel is known as a controlled substance, however the abuse of the drug is common. People will crush it and snort it to get high. Seroquel is also more prone for abuse because the drug is easier to get than other well-known sedatives such as vicodin or oxycotin.

Not only where there complications that cam along with taking Seroquel, there was also problems with prescriptions. It turned out that another drug called Serzone was getting mixed up with Seroquel because of the closeness in spelling, strengths, and dosage forms. Obviously because the two drugs were made for different purposes, the effects of switching them could lead to harmful side effects. If you or a loved one has been harmed either from the harmful side effects when taking Seroquel, or mistakenly being prescribed Seroquel, contact Napoli Bern Ripka LLP. Napoli Bern Ripka LLP has a dedicated team of lawyers ready and willing to take a look at your Seroquel case. They have the experience needed to deal with large pharmaceutical companies that intimidate others

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