Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, quetiapine can sometimes cause serious side effects. Some side effects will have signs or symptoms that you can see or feel. Your doctor may watch for others, such as changes in the lenses of the eyes, by doing certain tests. Tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder) may occur and may not go away after you stop using the medicine. Signs of tardive dyskinesia include fine, worm-like movements of the tongue, or other uncontrolled movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, or arms and legs. Another serious but rare side effect that may occur is the neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). You and your doctor should discuss the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of taking it .

Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help immediately if the following side effects occur:

Rare—Symptoms of NMS; two or more occur together; most of these effects do not require emergency medical attention if they occur alone

Convulsions (seizures); difficult or unusually fast breathing; fast heartbeat or irregular pulse; high fever; high or low (irregular) blood pressure; increased sweating; loss of bladder control; severe muscle stiffness; unusually pale skin; unusual tiredness or weakness

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position; fever, chills, muscle aches, or sore throat; loss of balance control; mask-like face; shuffling walk; skin rash; slowed movements; stiffness of arms or legs; swelling of feet or lower legs; trembling and shaking of hands and fingers; trouble in breathing, speaking, or swallowing

Rare

Fainting; fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat; menstrual changes; unusual secretion of milk (in females)

Rare—Symptoms of underactive thyroid; usually two or more occur together; these effects do not require medical attention if they occur alone unless they continue or are bothersome

Dry, puffy skin; loss of appetite; tiredness; weight gain

Symptoms of overdose—May be similar to side effects seen at normal doses but may be more severe or two or more may occur together

Drowsiness; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; low blood pressure; weakness

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Constipation; drowsiness; dry mouth; increased weight; indigestion

Less common

Abdominal pain; abnormal vision; decrease in appetite; decreased strength and energy; feeling of fast or irregular heartbeat; headache; increased muscle tone; increased sweating; stuffy or runny nose

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.