Seroquel and Tardive Dyskinesia: What You Need to Know
Seroquel (quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. While it can be effective, Seroquel also carries the risk of side effects like tardive dyskinesia.
Tardive dyskinesia causes involuntary, repetitive body movements that typically affect the face, lips, and tongue. The condition can develop after long-term use of antipsychotic drugs like Seroquel. Heres what you need to know about the link between Seroquel and tardive dyskinesia.
What is Tardive Dyskinesia?
Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements of the face, tongue, lips, and extremities. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Repetitive movements like grimacing, sticking out the tongue, smacking the lips, blinking, or waving the arms
- Chewing motions
- Puckering or pursing of the lips
- Rapid eye blinking
- Thumb twiddling
- Foot tapping
In severe cases, the symptoms can interfere with talking, eating, and breathing. Episodes can last for minutes or hours and tend to come and go randomly throughout the day.
What Causes It?
Tardive dyskinesia occurs as a result of taking antipsychotic medications like Seroquel for an extended period of time. These drugs block dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine helps control muscle movement. When the dopamine receptors are blocked chronically, it can cause abnormal involuntary movements and tremors.
Older adults and people who take high doses of antipsychotics for long periods have the highest risk. But anyone taking these medications could potentially develop tardive dyskinesia.
Seroquel and Tardive Dyskinesia
There are several reasons Seroquel raises the risk of tardive dyskinesia:
Potent Dopamine Blocking Effects
Like all antipsychotics, Seroquel blocks dopamine receptors. This is what allows it to treat schizophrenia and bipolar mania. But chronic dopamine deficiency can lead to abnormal movements over time.
High Doses May Be Needed
People with severe mental illness often require high doses of antipsychotics like Seroquel for adequate control of symptoms. But high doses increase the risk of side effects like tardive dyskinesia.
Long-Term Use
Many people have to take Seroquel indefinitely to manage chronic psychiatric disorders. Using any antipsychotic for years on end raises the chances of developing involuntary movement problems.
Elderly Are More Susceptible
Older adults have an increased risk of drug-induced movement disorders. Yet antipsychotics like Seroquel are often prescribed to the elderly for conditions like dementia, delirium, and depression.
Withdrawal Can Unmask Symptoms
Tardive dyskinesia caused by Seroquel may not be noticeable until the medication is stopped. Symptoms can emerge as dopamine receptors start functioning again during drug withdrawal.
Signs of Tardive Dyskinesia From Seroquel
The most common early signs of tardive dyskinesia from Seroquel include:
- Tongue thrusting or darting
- Lip smacking
- Chewing or facial tics
- Finger or toe movements
- Restlessness or agitation
Subtle symptoms often start in the face and mouth area. You may notice lip puckering, excessive eye blinking, or odd mouth movements. Symptoms tend to worsen over time without treatment.
Advanced cases can cause trouble walking, eating, talking, and breathing. But with early intervention, symptoms can often be minimized.
Who's at Risk?
Those most vulnerable to developing tardive dyskinesia from Seroquel include:
- Elderly patients
- People taking high Seroquel doses
- Those who use Seroquel long-term
- Patients with diabetes
- Individuals with movement disorders
The longer someone takes Seroquel and the higher their dosage, the more risk there is. Close monitoring is important, especially for high-risk groups.
Should You Stop Taking Seroquel?
If you develop symptoms of tardive dyskinesia while on Seroquel, talk to your doctor before stopping. Suddenly discontinuing Seroquel or other antipsychotic drugs can lead to worsening symptoms or relapse of your mental health disorder. Your doctor may recommend:
- Gradually lowering your Seroquel dose under medical supervision
- Switching to another antipsychotic medication
- Adding a medication to treat dyskinesia
- Keeping your dose the same if symptoms are mild
The benefits of Seroquel for treating your condition also need to be weighed against the side effects. Never stop taking Seroquel or change dosages without consulting your psychiatrist first.
Medical Treatments for Tardive Dyskinesia
If you develop tardive dyskinesia while taking Seroquel, your doctor has several treatment options that may help, including:
Reducing Antipsychotic Dosage
Lowering your dose of Seroquel under medical supervision may alleviate symptoms of dyskinesia. However, too much reduction may lead to psychiatric relapse.
Switching Medications
Switching from Seroquel to an atypical antipsychotic less likely to cause movement disorders could resolve symptoms while still treating your mental illness.
Prescribing Cholinergic Agents
Drugs that boost the neurotransmitter acetylcholine can reduce tardive dyskinesia movements. These include mestinon and amantadine.
Trying Anticonvulsants
Antiseizure drugs like clonazepam may be used short-term to control involuntary movements from tardive dyskinesia.
Injecting Botulinum Toxin
Botox injections can temporarily paralyze muscles to reduce abnormal movements from dyskinesia.
Treatment needs to be tailored to each patient based on their psychiatric condition, dyskinesia severity, and health history. The goal is balancing psychiatric stability with minimizing medication side effects.
Natural Remedies for Tardive Dyskinesia
Some natural remedies may also aid in reducing symptoms of tardive dyskinesia from Seroquel and other antipsychotics. However, always check with your doctor before trying anything new.
Ginkgo Biloba
This popular herb may help protect dopamine-producing neurons and reduce abnormal movements. Look for standardized extract capsules and follow package dosing.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may help reduce oxidative damage contributing to tardive dyskinesia. Typical doses are 400-800 IU daily.
Coenzyme Q10
Also called CoQ10, this powerful antioxidant supports cellular energy. 100-200 mg per day may offer protection against tardive dyskinesia.
Turmeric
Curcumin, turmeric's active compound, has anti-inflammatory effects that may inhibit dyskinesia. Take 400-600 mg capsules up to 3 times daily.
Probiotics
Probiotic supplements help restore healthy gut bacteria, which impacts mental health and brain function. Look for multi-strain formulas.
While research on natural tardive dyskinesia treatments is limited, some people report modest benefits from supplements and herbs. Always consult your doctor before trying.
Lifestyle Changes for Tardive Dyskinesia
Making certain lifestyle adjustments may also help minimize symptoms of tardive dyskinesia:
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Drink alcohol only in moderation if at all
- Follow a nutritious diet low in processed foods
- Get regular exercise to reduce stress
- Practice meditation, yoga, or Tai Chi for relaxation
- Get enough quality sleep every night
Avoiding toxins from smoking and alcohol while reducing stress through healthy habits can help support overall brain health and function.
The Bottom Line
Tardive dyskinesia is a potential side effect of Seroquel and other antipsychotic medications. Abnormal involuntary body movements typically develop after long-term use. Older adults and those taking high doses have the greatest risk.
If you notice symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, don't stop Seroquel suddenly without medical advice. Your doctor can adjust medications and provide treatments to help manage dyskinesia symptoms. Combining prescription therapies with natural remedies and a healthy lifestyle can aid recovery.
Catching tardive dyskinesia early and taking steps to treat it can help prevent permanent complications. Stay in close contact with your doctor and be aware of this condition if taking Seroquel or similar antipsychotic medications long-term.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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