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Link between Seroquel and Heart Problems?
My psychiatrist put me on Seroquel approximately 4-5 years ago, on a low dose of 100mg, as a sleep aid.
Apparently it is used as an anti-psychotic in high doses, however in low doses it can be used as a sleep aid because of its anti-histamine properties (that are found in allergy pills for example that make you sleepy).
Fast forward to this past June, and I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Congestive Heart Failure, the "idiopathic cardiomyopathy" kind, idiopathic meaning the doctors don't know how or why I now have this. It came on VERY suddenly.
I was hospitalized for a week, all of the 'usual' tests, and I was free of any clots or blockages. My ejection fraction was 20-25%.
Trying to find a cause:
A virus? I haven't been sick in a long time, not even a cold.
I have never smoked or used illicit drugs; I have maybe a dozen alcoholic drinks per year, and there is no history of heart failure in my family. So they went through all of my current meds to see if there was a cause.
I have been on Seroquel (100mg), Clonazepam as needed, Wellbutrin, and Citalopram (20mg) for years.
After the doctors did some quick research, the Cardiologist took me off the Seroquel immediately, saying heart failure was a possible side effect, however extremely small the chance might be.
My psychiatrist has since told me "it's not the Seroquel".
It's a long shot, but has anyone been told their Seroquel use led to heart failure?
Thank you for any help.
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I am going through the same thing, did your heart health change after the discontinuation of seroquel ?
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3 ReactionsHello @majic and @tib85
While we at Mayo Connect, are not medical professionals and cannot give medical advice, I did look up some information about Seroquel on the WebMD website, Here is the link, https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4718/seroquel-oral/details. In reading through this article, I did not notice CHF mentioned as a side-effect, however we are all different in how we respond to certain meds.
Did the doctor give you anything to replace the Seroquel for your sleep problems?
I look forward to hearing from you again.
Teresa
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2 ReactionsHi Teresa, my doc gave me Trazadone to help me sleep. He also advised me to taper off seroquel instead of quitting it cold turkey. I’ve seen your article however I’ve found some articles in contradict that one. My cardiologist said my heart failure could’ve been caused by a virus and hindered by seroquel. I am 25 pounds overweight, but he mentioned that it’s not what’s causing my heart failure. Stay in touch Teresa!
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4 ReactionsHello,
I was put on Seroquel in 2008 & was diagnosed with idiopathic cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure & a long QT in 2013 at the age of 30. They said it could’ve been from a virus as well, they weren’t really sure. I had an ejection fraction of 20/25 when I was diagnosed. I have had an AICD (pacemaker & defribulator) implanted & have fought to build my endurance back up. I used to get exerted after about 15 minutes of housework & I can now do housework for up to 2/3 hours without a break. My ejection fraction has been a normal 50 for 14 months now! Anyway, throughout all of this it has been mentioned multiple times, by multiple doctors to discuss the use of Seroquel. I have tried several times to wean off and have given in each time because the withdrawals are so awful. I was told last week by an endocrinologist that I really have to find a way to discontinue this medication because now I am pre diabetic on top of super high cholesterol and triglycerides. I have cut back to half my reg dose and in a few days I’m going to cut that in half until I’m off of it. This medication has been worse for my health than any good it may have provided.
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3 ReactionsHello @loveallmyboys
I see that this is your first post on Mayo Connect, welcome!
I appreciate that you took the time to share your experience with Seroquel. I can understand your concern with this medicine.
At age 30, having a CHF must have been quite discouraging. I am glad to read that you are doing much better now. I appreciate all of the progress you have made in treating the CHF. You have been very proactive in taking care of yourself.
Have any doctors offered you any help in getting you off the Seroquel? Perhaps substituting it with another less dangerous drug? Have you consulted a psychiatrist (medical doctor who can prescribe mental health meds) to see if he/she could offer you some suggestions?
Teresa
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2 ReactionsHello @tib85
I see that you were tapering off Seroquel and taking Trazadone several months ago.
How are you doing with the tapering off process? Is the Trazadone working well for you?
Teresa
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1 ReactionYes, I get sleepy
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1 ReactionI was on Seroquel, 800mg a day for 5 years before I started noticing major changes in my body. I thought my shortness of breath was due to the 40lbs I gained while on it. I was only 36 and a construction worker so when I couldn't hang with the guys any longer, I grew concerned. My doctor ofcouse blamed it on the weight gain.... Thank God I had an elbow injury and my Ortho Doc asked why I had such a rapid heart rate (160 bpm)? I told him I don't know, my doctor never addressed it.
After an EKG came back normal he wanted an answer. So he ordered an Echo I believe, and that came back as Restrictive Diastolic Dysfunction Grade 3.
Now that I am 39 I have noticed that it seems to be progressing rapidly. I am no longer able to work construction, I can not stand the heat or cold, and I get really short of breath easily. I have had to go back to college to get "a desk job".
I believe my Cardiologist had an idea that there was a link between heart failure and Seroquel, because she out of the blue suggested that I find an alternative medicine. I have even lost 27lbs since being off it 8 months, now on Wellbutrin. It took me 6 months just to get through the withdraws, itching was the worst!!! That was with tapering off.
I really feel like my life has been stolen from me. I am only 39 and can't do the things I use to enjoy. I was never told of any heart side effects and I always read the papers that Walgreen's attaches to the perscriptions.
Someone should be held responsible for the damage we are left with. Seroquel should be pulled from the market point blank (This is just my opinion and I am not a medical professional).
If anyone needs someone to talk to, please feel free to respond.
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3 ReactionsHow much seroquel did you take? I was on 300 mg and I am now on 200 mgs. I started it a year ago. I would like to get completely off but my doctor doesn't want me to do that.4
I am on 200mgs of extended release Seroquel. I was on 300mgs for a year and I was tapered down to 200mgs in March 2018. I had to go on Propranolol for irregular heart beat in June 2018. I am wondering if the Seroquel caused it. I have had irregular heartbeat before Seroquel so it's hard to say. Do you mind if i ask how old are you? I am 72. The Seroquel scares me.