• Home
• Defective Drug Index
• About A Drug Recall
• Contact A Defective Drug Lawyer

We Can Help.

Seroquel® Hypomania

800-889-3898 

Available data presents somewhat conflicting information about Seroquel® hypomania. In order to better understand the issue of Seroquel® hypomania, it is best to evaluate the uses of Seroquel® and its effect on hypomania. The atypical antipsychotic, Seroquel® (quetiapine), was initially approved by the FDA in 1997 to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia including delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, and disturbed cognitive patterns.

In January 2004, AstraZeneca's Seroquel® was approved by the FDA, and the drug agencies of at least a dozen other countries, to treat bi-polar disorder. Seroquel® was approved as a mono-therapy or adjunct therapy (in conjunction with lithium or divalpoex) to treat the symptoms of bi-polar or manic-depressive disorder. This approval followed the results of a large clinical trial called BOLDER which included over one thousand patients worldwide.

The BOLDER clinical trial found that bi-polar patients who had taken Seroquel® experienced fast acting improvements in their manic symptoms (including hypomania). Seroquel® patients in the trial were reported to experience a decrease in core depressive symptoms such as sadness, negative thoughts, and suicidal ideations. The trial also gave no indication that patients were at risk of treatment-emergent Seroquel® hypomania.

Bi-polar disorder is a psychiatric illness that affects approximately three to four percent of the population. Bi-polar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the adult population. Symptoms of bi-polar disorder range from extreme mania to deep depression. Hypomania is defined as a mild or moderate manic state characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, euphoria, and racing thoughts. Seroquel® hypomania treatment has been shown to be effective in reducing these symptoms for many patients. This patient population is often considered difficult to treat because prescription medications can cause serious side effects that outweigh their intended benefits.

Data about Seroquel® hypomania treatment appears to indicate that Seroquel® is effective in treating these symptoms. However, case studies have indicated that Seroquel® hypomania is a potential side effect of this treatment. One study revealed that a patient with paranoid schizophrenia reported treatment-emergent Seroquel® hypomania soon after beginning Seroquel® treatment. These Seroquel® hypomania symptoms remitted once the patient had terminated his treatment.

Because approval for Seroquel® hypomania treatment occurred recently, more evidence about the effects of Seroquel® on bipolar symptoms may develop in the future. It is important to be aware of the Seroquel® hypomania risks and the other serious side effects that are associated with this medication. Serious side effects of Seroquel® can include central nervous system problems, Parkinsonism, diabetes, weight gain, and circulatory complications.

For more information on Seroquel® hypomania and other side effects, please contact us.

More Seroquel® Resources

Seroquel -  Manufacturer's site providing consumer and professional information on quetiapine fumarate, used for schizophrenia treatment.

Schizophrenia.com -  Provides patients, family members, and caregivers with information on a variety of important mental health topics including schizophrenia and other common mental illnesses.