As a medical professional with a focus on pharmacology and patient safety, I take the responsibility to provide accurate and evidence-based information very seriously. When it comes to the question of whether quetiapine can cause seizures, it's important to approach the topic with a thorough understanding of the medication and its potential side effects.

Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat various mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. It works by affecting the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, which are believed to be involved in the regulation of mood and behavior.

Now, addressing the specific concern about seizures, it's crucial to note that like all medications, quetiapine has a range of potential side effects. Seizures are not listed as a common side effect of quetiapine, but they can occur, especially in patients who are taking high doses or have a predisposition to seizures due to other medical conditions. The case you mentioned highlights a scenario where a patient with Alzheimer's disease, a condition that can be associated with an increased risk of seizures, experienced seizures while on quetiapine.

The risk of seizures with quetiapine appears to be dose-dependent, meaning that higher doses are more likely to increase the risk. However, it's also important to consider the patient's overall health, including any pre-existing neurological conditions, as these can also contribute to the risk of seizures.

In the medical community, there is a general awareness of the potential for antipsychotic medications to lower the seizure threshold, and healthcare providers are advised to monitor patients closely, especially when starting or adjusting the dosage of these medications. It's also worth mentioning that the use of quetiapine in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis is a subject of ongoing debate due to the potential for serious side effects, including the risk of stroke and death, as indicated by some regulatory warnings.

In summary, while quetiapine is generally considered safe and effective for its approved uses, it's not without risks, and the potential for seizures is one of those risks that must be carefully considered, particularly in vulnerable populations such as elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease. It is always recommended that patients and healthcare providers have a thorough discussion about the benefits and risks associated with any medication, including quetiapine.

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Seizures associated with quetiapine treatment. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of seizures in a patient with Alzheimer disease, who was receiving quetiapine for psychoses. ... DISCUSSION: The patient was taking a relatively high dose of quetiapine. An increased risk of seizures has been associated with Alzheimer disease.read more >>