Is Seroquel Causing Back Pain, Muscle Rigidity In Patients?
Yesterday, I wrote that the FDA was ordering AstraZeneca, maker of Seroquel, to update its labeling to reflect “significant weight gain” experienced by patients, a potential precursor to diabetes and other metabolic syndrome issues (the agency has still not answered my questions on this issue). In response, one reader left the following comment: “No problems with weight, but prolonged massive back pains.” I replied: “Me too on back problems that cropped up with taking this drug. Let me guess, you had sudden tightening of all the muscles in your back? Sorry you had that experience. Back pain sucks.” I feel terrible for the guy and believe his account. On Seroquel’s package insert (pdf here), AZ notes that 3 percent of patients in the drug’s schizophrenia and bipolar mania clinical trials experienced back pain while taking the drug as opposed to 1 percent who took a placebo. The PI also notes that 7 percent of patients in the same trials experienced pain versus 5 percent of those taking
