Quetiapine

[nailit]

My shrink has put me on this. Reading about the side effects, it says that it can cause a rise in cholesterol and triglycerides. As my GP has shown some concern about my cholesterol levels and high triglycerides should I be taking this?

[237SJ]

He wouldn't have put you on it if you shouldn't be taking it. All drugs have side effects

[nailit]

I know all drugs have side effects 237, but prescribing something that is going to worsen an existing problem??
Just finished reading the rest of the side effects and it sounds too risky to me. Then again I suppose if it kills me, it will cure my mood swings...

[rowanwitch]

Just ask your doctor for more regular cholesterol and triglyceride tests so if you are unfortunate enough to have that side effect it is picked up quickly

[murraymints]

antipsychotic ? FIL was on this for Alzheimers.. did he explain why he felt this necessary ?

[murraymints]

manic depression treatment also I believe..?

[wolf63]

I know that I have been on it but have no idea when. I am no help - but I can't remember having any problems or side-effects.

[murraymints]

I hate taking any kind of medication and really question if side effects outweigh the reason for taking them to begin with...

[jackthehat]

The operative word is *can*....

The drug companies have to put all potential side-effects on the accompanying leaflets even if only one person reports suffering from them.

Rowan gives very sensible advice. Keep taking the pills to help with your head but make sure that your cholesterol, etc. levels are regularly checked.

[nailit]

Thanks for replies. The last 2 lots of meds I was on had to be discontinued because the side effects were too severe. (nausea, constant headache, blurred vision, severe constipation) and the side effects of this one appear to be the same along with rising cholesteral and tryglcerides. Can also cause diabetes.
I was going start taking it tonight but really am wary after reading the side effects and my experience on my last 2 lots of meds.

[nailit]

Like minty, I question if the side effects outweigh the reason for taking them.

[murraymints]

remember chronic constipation was an issue with FIL and had to be treated in hospital for compaction....perhaps a talk with GP would be in order ?

[Mamyalynne]

Those are the judgements taken when the Doctor prescribes and by the Patient when deciding whether to take the medication.

[nailit]

My GP has refused to prescribe any more meds of this nature minty and said its up to the mental health services to sort.

[murraymints]

would he talk over the pros and cons of the drugs with you ?

[bednobs]

put baldly, you have been in hospital recently for trying to kill yourself, Your mental health is more an immediate problem than a potential side effect of the pills. For all you know these may be the pills that turn everything round for you.

[nailit]

I'll give them a go at least but just seems odd to put me on a medication that can exacerbate another problem. Another side effect is that it can cause prolonged and painful erections...charming!!

[nailit]

Don't fancy walking into A&E with one of those.

[murraymints]

EEK !!

[Mamyalynne]

You OK Minty?

[Spungle]

I take 200mg quetiapine every night for severe depression. The only side effects I suffer is drowsiness but it helps me get a nights sleep. If you really want to scare yourself, look at any medication whatsoever and read the little leaflet that comes with it- quite often one of the potential side effects is death! (I'm not joking). Moral of my little story- don't worry about the small print, give it a go, and you'll probably be able to tell us this time next week what the side effects are, if any. Best wishes, Nailit, take care.