Source: Fox News
Summary
A small study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that the antipsychotic medication quetiapine (Seroquel) reduced obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in 15 adults with OSA and difficulty maintaining sleep. However, the medication also impaired driving ability the next morning, with participants experiencing slower reaction times and more attention lapses. The study’s authors recommend that people avoid driving or other safety-critical tasks for at least 9.5 hours after taking quetiapine.
Our Reading
The advice sounds familiar.
Quetiapine’s dual role in reducing OSA and impairing driving ability is a complex issue. The medication’s effectiveness in improving sleep quality is countered by its potential to compromise next-day cognitive function. This trade-off raises concerns about the risks and benefits of prescribing quetiapine for sleep apnea and insomnia. The study’s findings highlight the need for further research into the medication’s effects on cognitive function, particularly among older adults.
It’s just another day in the ongoing saga of sleep aid medications.
Side Effects and Concerns
The study found that quetiapine’s side effects included nausea, restless legs, and a sudden blood pressure drop upon standing. Additionally, 11 out of 15 participants reported feeling sleepier the morning after taking the medication, with roughly one in four people not recognizing their level of impairment.
Expert Insights
Ashley Curtis, PhD, director of the Cognition, Aging, Sleep and Health (CASH) Lab at the University of South Florida, noted that certain hypnotic medications exhibit sex differences in metabolism, which can influence both efficacy and the risk of next-day side effects. Chelsie Rohrscheib, head sleep expert at Wesper, emphasized that patients should talk with their doctor about whether the benefits of quetiapine outweigh the risks and whether other treatment options might be appropriate.
Implications and Future Research
The study’s authors recommend that larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm the findings before making decisions about prescribing quetiapine for sleep apnea and insomnia. Future studies should carefully examine whether newer agents demonstrate similar sex-specific patterns to ensure optimal dosing and safety recommendations.
This is just another chapter in the ongoing story of sleep aid medications.
What’s Next?
The impact of quetiapine on next-day cognitive function warrants further investigation, particularly among older adults. The study’s findings highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of the medication’s effects on sleep quality and cognitive function.
Stay tuned for the next update in the sleep aid saga.
