By Al Griskaitis
•
07 Jan, 2023
Is Seroquel Slowly Killing You? A Closer Look at the Potential Risks and Benefits of Using this Medication as a Sleep Aid If you struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders, you may have been prescribed the medication Seroquel (generic name quetiapine) as a way to improve your sleep. But a recent study has raised some concerns about the long-term use of this medication, specifically in terms of its potential negative effects on cardiovascular health. So, what's the story with Seroquel and is it really a danger to your health? Here's a closer look at the potential risks and benefits of using this medication as a sleep aid. How Seroquel Promotes Sleep Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is commonly used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. It is also sometimes prescribed off-label as a sleep aid due to its sedative effects. So, how does it work to promote sleep? One of the main ways that Seroquel helps people fall asleep is through its potent antihistamine properties. Histamine is a chemical in the body that promotes wakefulness, and by blocking the effects of histamine, Seroquel can help to reduce wakefulness and promote sleep. Actions of Seroquel In addition to its antihistamine effects, Seroquel also blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, which may contribute to its sedative effects. But may also dampen the reward system which can make life feel a little dull. Some people even describe feeling like a zombie, especially at higher doses. A metabolite of Seroquel (norquetiapine) It is also thought to have effects on the neurotransmitter noradrenaline, which plays a role in the body's "fight or flight" response and can contribute to feelings of alertness and arousal. Quetiapine can also do the reverse because of it’s actions on a type of noradrenaline receptor. On one hand it promote noradrenaline and on the other is reduces it. This may be why some people feel relaxed by Seroquel and other feel edgy from it. Some people get used to the reduced wakefulness from Seroquel and need progressively higher doses. The Potential Risks of Long-Term Use of Seroquel While Seroquel may be effective at promoting sleep in the short term, a recent study has raised concerns about the long-term use of this medication. The study compared the long-term use of Seroquel with another class of medication known as "Z-drugs" (which are also used as sleep aids) in terms of their effects on mortality from cardiovascular causes. The results showed that those taking Seroquel had significantly worse outcomes in terms of cardiovascular disease and an increased risk of death. It's important to note that this study is not the final word on the subject, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of using Seroquel as a sleep aid. However, it is worth considering these findings and discussing them with your doctor if you are taking or considering taking Seroquel for insomnia or other sleep disorders.