Seroquel is Not Advised for Elderly Dementia Patients

from Tulsa World ..

By PETER GOTT

Dear Dr. Gott: Please give your opinion on Seroquel being prescribed to a patient with dementia. I've heard it is a dangerous drug when given to the elderly, as it can cause death. Also, should this drug be given long-term?

Dear Reader: Seroquel is a medication used to treat conditions such as bipolar disorder. It is not approved for behavioral problems related to dementia. Black-box warnings for elderly patients with a dementia-related psychosis indicate an increased risk of serious side effects, including pneumonia, heart attack, stroke and death.

The product is available in doses from 25-milligram to 300- milligram tablets or capsules by prescription only. When the drug is prescribed for the elderly, the recommended initial dose is 25 milligrams daily. Contraindications are noted for people with a history of hypertension, stroke, thyroid disorder, diabetes, high cholesterol, seizures or heart attack.

Side effects can include fever, sweating, uncontrolled muscle movements, severe headaches, visual and gait disturbances, and more. Be sure to speak with the prescribing physician should any symptoms occur.

Seroquel XR extended-release tablets also contain black-box warnings because of an increased mortality rate in elderly patients with dementia.

XR is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia. The condition is often treated with tranquilizers and specific drugs to lessen the degree of depression. Extended-release tabs are not recommended for the elderly. Adverse reactions include dry mouth, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, constipation, a feeling of sedation and more.

The long-term effectiveness (more than six weeks) has not been fully evaluated. All prescribing physicians should re-evaluate patients on a regular basis.

Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave. 4th floor, New York, NY 10016.

Originally published by PETER GOTT Newspaper Enterprise Association.

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