Agranulocytosis and granulocytopenia associated with quetiapine.
OBJECTIVE
Quetiapine is a recently introduced atypical antipsychotic. Although adverse effects are mainly mild, more serious infrequent adverse effects including leucopenia are mentioned.


METHODS
We describe three case-reports concerning haematological adverse effects of quetiapine.


RESULTS
Quetiapine was associated with leucopenia in two patients and clinically apparent agranulocytosis in one patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Although a definite association has not been proven, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of agranulocytosis while using quetiapine. Further post-marketing surveys are required.
Ruhé
H G
HG
MFO Psychiatrie AMC/de Meren, Academic Medical Centre, P.O. Box 22660, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Becker
H E
HE
Jessurun
P
P
Marees
C H
CH
Heeringa
M
M
Vermeulen
H D
HD
D000328:Adult; D000380:Agranulocytosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate; D012563:Schizophrenia, Paranoid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate