Andrew White, a 23-year-old Marine corporal, returned from a nine-month deployment in Iraq showing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) such as insomnia, nightmares, and persistent restlessness. To manage these symptoms, doctors prescribed three psychiatric medications, including a powerful antipsychotic called Seroquel.
For the past nine years, thousands of veterans suffering from PTSD have been prescribed Seroquel, making it one of the top medications used by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the fifth best-selling drug in the United States. However, concerns have been raised after several veterans and soldiers died while taking the medication. Military families are now urging Congress to investigate whether the government is fully disclosing the risks associated with the drug.
In Andrew White’s case, his nightmares continued, and doctors began increasing his Seroquel dosage, eventually prescribing more than 1,600 milligrams per day—over twice the maximum recommended dose for schizophrenia patients. Not long after, White passed away in his sleep.
Stan White, Andrew’s father and a retired high school principal, recalls, “He was told if he had trouble sleeping, he could take another pill.”
The Veterans Affairs Department later determined White’s death resulted from a rare drug interaction, noting that he was also taking an antidepressant, an anti-anxiety medication, and an unauthorized painkiller. The VA concluded that White had received the “standard of care” for his condition.
It remains unclear how many deaths have been directly linked to Seroquel, though White’s family has confirmed at least six other cases involving soldiers on the medication. Spending on Seroquel by military medical systems has surged over sevenfold since the start of the Afghanistan war in 2001, far outpacing the increase in military personnel.
Off-Label Use of Seroquel
While Seroquel is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, it is not FDA-endorsed as a treatment for insomnia. Nonetheless, psychiatrists are allowed to prescribe medications for non-approved purposes, a practice known as “off-label” prescribing.
Despite its effectiveness, Seroquel is associated with several serious side effects, including weight gain, diabetes, and muscle spasms. Andrew White, for example, gained 40 pounds while on the drug and experienced slurred speech, tremors, and disorientation—all recognized side effects.
In January 2009, researchers at Vanderbilt University published a study in the New England Journal of Medicine highlighting a potential new risk: sudden heart failure. The study found that for every 1,000 patients taking antipsychotics like Seroquel, there were three cardiac deaths per year. AstraZeneca PLC, the maker of Seroquel, is reviewing the study, while the FDA is conducting its own investigation due to the limited scope of the findings.
The VA has stated that Seroquel is only used as a third or fourth option for PTSD patients with severe insomnia.
Another case involves Marine Cpl. Chad Oligschlaeger, a 21-year-old soldier who passed away in his sleep at Camp Pendleton, California, in May 2008. He was taking six different medications, including Seroquel, to cope with PTSD-related anxiety and nightmares. His death was attributed to “multiple drug toxicity,” meaning it resulted from a combination of medications. His parents, Eric and Julie Oligschlaeger, believe their son died of sudden cardiac arrest caused by Seroquel.
Julie Oligschlaeger stated, “Right now, I’m so angry, and I believe someone needs to be held accountable. The protocol absolutely has to change.”
Source:
Perrone, Matthew. “Deaths Raise Questions About Drug Given to Sleepless Veterans.” NBC News. Accessed September 16, 2024. NBC News.
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Why is Seroquel risky?
Any safer alternatives?
