Does Serquel Cause Sleep Apnea?
The active ingredient in Seroquel is quetiaprine fumarate, which is classified as an atypical antipsychotic.
As the name suggests, antipsychotic drugs are used to treat symptoms of psychosis that may be present in individuals with schizophrenia, during the manic phases of bipolar disorder, and delusional disorder. They also have some effects as mood stabilizers, and may help to prevent psychotic or manic episodes from occurring.
All antipsychotic drugs function similarly by regulating dopamine release and by blocking certain receptors in the brain. Atypical antipsychotic’s are somewhat different in that they seem to more narrowly target the intended pathways in the brain, causing fewer side effects. They may also work better at improving some of the “negative” symptoms of schizophrenia, in which individuals feel antisocial and depressed.
Interestingly, Seroquel’s sedative effects have caused some doctors to use it as an off-label treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism, and certain sleep disorders.
