Seroquel (quetiapine) side effects include which combination?

Seroquel (quetiapine) side effects include which combination?

• A. Weight gain and sedation; cataracts (assess with slit lamp)
• B. Weight neutral; QT prolongation
• C. Corneal deposits
• D. Thrombocytopenia

Answer: (A)

Quetiapine’s side effect profile most characteristically includes weight gain and sedation. The weight gain comes from metabolic effects and increased appetite that can occur with many antipsychotics, while sedation results from strong antihistaminic activity (also common with many second-generation antipsychotics). The inclusion of cataracts reflects less common but possible long-term ocular effects that some patients experience, so periodic eye exams (slit lamp) are prudent to monitor lens changes over time. Weight neutral is inconsistent with quetiapine’s typical metabolic impact, and QT prolongation, while a concern with some antipsychotics (notably at higher doses), is not the primary issue associated with quetiapine. Corneal deposits are more characteristic of other drugs such as chlorpromazine, and thrombocytopenia is not a feature commonly linked to quetiapine.

Quetiapine’s side effect profile most characteristically includes weight gain and sedation. The weight gain comes from metabolic effects and increased appetite that can occur with many antipsychotics, while sedation results from strong antihistaminic activity (also common with many second-generation antipsychotics). The inclusion of cataracts reflects less common but possible long-term ocular effects that some patients experience, so periodic eye exams (slit lamp) are prudent to monitor lens changes over time.

Weight neutral is inconsistent with quetiapine’s typical metabolic impact, and QT prolongation, while a concern with some antipsychotics (notably at higher doses), is not the primary issue associated with quetiapine. Corneal deposits are more characteristic of other drugs such as chlorpromazine, and thrombocytopenia is not a feature commonly linked to quetiapine.