Does Seroquel cause stomach bloating? 

Does Seroquel cause stomach bloating? 

Seroquel (Quetiapine) does not generally cause stomach bloating. Gastrointestinal side effects are rare with this atypical antipsychotic medication and not many cases of stomach bloating are reported so far (1). 

However, people are different and they respond differently to medications, especially meds that can affect your brain chemistry (2). If Seroquel causes bloating or unexplained weight gain, discuss it with your healthcare provider. 

Side effects on Seroquel are generally expected to fade away as your body adjusts to the medication, but again – some people can take longer to recover and some may not recover from the side effects while continuing to take the med. 

This is why it’s best to consult your doctor and discuss the safety and efficacy of the long-term use of Seroquel. 

The incidence of stomach bloating with Seroquel

Stomach bloating is a reported side effect of Seroquel use, but its exact incidence may vary among individuals. 

Research suggests that Seroquel may affect certain receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially leading to changes in digestion and the accumulation of gas in the stomach and intestines (1,2). This can contribute to feelings of bloating and discomfort.

If you experience stomach bloating while taking Seroquel and it becomes bothersome or persists, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider. They can assess your symptoms, consider other potential causes, and provide guidance on managing bloating. 

What to do if Seroquel causes stomach bloating? 

If Seroquel is causing stomach bloating or other gastrointestinal side effects, try taking this medication with food. You can also make some dietary changes and limit the intake of food that generally make you gassy and bloated.

However, if your bloating persists or gets worse, it’s important to discuss it with your doctor. Depending on your individual situation, your doctor may suggest lifestyle modifications and dietary adjustments, or even consider alternative treatment options if your bloating becomes significant.

Some helpful tips for bloating

There are some helpful tips to reduce your bloating and prevent it from getting worse. These include (3):

  • Take a walk or engage in light physical activity.
  • Apply heat to your abdomen, such as with a heating pad.
  • Consider over-the-counter remedies like antacids or simethicone.
  • Drink herbal tea, such as peppermint or ginger tea.
  • Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing.
  • Avoid trigger foods that can cause bloating.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking enough water.
  • Consider probiotics to support digestion.
  • Keep a food diary to identify specific triggers.

Consult with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

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References

1.-

Maan JS, Ershadi M, Khan I, Saadabadi A. Quetiapine. 2023 Jan 22. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29083706. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459145

2.-

Saller CF, Salama AI. Seroquel: biochemical profile of a potential atypical antipsychotic. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1993;112(2-3):285-92. doi: 10.1007/BF02244923. PMID: 7871032. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7871032/

3.-

Serra J. Management of bloating. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2022 Mar;34(3):e14333. doi: 10.1111/nmo.14333. Epub 2022 Feb 10. PMID: 35143108. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35143108/