Brief Answer:
Low risk of NMS

Detailed Answer:
Good afternoon.

You are correct that some of the symptoms you are mentioning such as weight gain has been reported in some people. The dose you are taking is well within the range of acceptable doses used in most people who are maintenance therapy so I wouldn't be terribly concerned about NMS though it is still present as a risk in this medication. I don't remember ever having seen any of patients who are on Seroquel have NMS. Personally, I'm not a particular fan of this medication simply because I'm of the belief that it seems to cause more side effects than beneficial ones in the vast majority of my patients who are on it (from other physicians). Having said that, I can also tell you that many of my patients who come to me for other problems and who are on Seroquel do not suffer any significant side effects.

Sweating you mention (cold sweats) are some of the more common symptoms we with the use of this drug. If the sweating began after starting or raising the dose of the drug then, clearly you will want to talk to your provider who prescribed it. DO NOT SIMPLY STOP OR COLD TURKEY this medication as it can cause rebound problems which will simply complicate your life...Ha! Make sure if you are told to come off the drug that you ask for a slow tapering or weaning schedule.

Also, it may cause there to be somnolence in some people as a side effect so perhaps you wouldn't even need to use any type of sleeper such as Ambien. Give the dose change about a week or 2 to settle in and see what happens.

I hope that gives you a bit of an overview as to some of my thoughts on your situation. I very much hope that an answer is close at hand and wish you the best in getting things under control.

I'd appreciate the favor of your providing a STAR RATING and some brief written feedback if your question has been satisfactorily answered. In addition, CLOSING THE QUERY on your end will also be most helpful.

Here is my webpage to keep me informed as to how you're doing or if you had any further questions on this or other matters:

bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

Cheers

This query has required 22 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile the return envoy to the patient.

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Brief Answer:
Medication is safe to use in the vast majority of patients

Detailed Answer:
I agree with the decision to continue using this medication if you believe it has been of substantial benefit to you compared to other choices that you may have tried. Your symptoms of excessive sweating in and of itself do not constitute enough symptomatology to warrant a concern over NMS.

NMS has been reported in RARE instances according to the Food and Drug Administration and again by staying well within the bounds of recommended dosing your risk of NMS is minimized even further.

As far as weight gain is concerned approximately 6% of patients on Seroquel report unwanted weight gain. There is no literature on what actually causes this to occur.

Here is an interesting link to a webpage specifically talking about weight gain while on Seroquel:

http://www.ehow.com/about_0000_seroquel-cause-weight-gain.html

The best methods to lose the weight would be to maintain what is referred to as a "heart healthy diet" which includes foods low in cholesterol, saturated fats, and include generous portions of fruits and vegetables.

At the same time an exercise program should be started that includes at least 30 minutes of a regimen of activities which will cause you to maintain a heart rate of about 20% above resting levels for at least 15-20 minutes of the 30 min. workout. This type of program can be gym based, home based, or tailor made alongside an expert personal trainer. Aerobic types of exercises that accomplish these parameters are found throughout gym clubs given in group classes which are usually included as part of membership dues.

Limiting alcohol and tobacco intake is also considered part of a heart healthy dietary and physical exercise plan which works for losing unwanted weight taking Seroquel (or any medication for that matter).

I'd appreciate the favor of your providing a STAR RATING and some brief written feedback if your questions have been satisfactorily answered. In addition, CLOSING THE QUERY on your end will also be most helpful.

Don't forget that my webpage to keep me abreast as to how you're doing is:

bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

All the Best

This query has required a total of 43 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile the return envoy to the patient.

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