A recent study from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, explored the impact of quetiapine, a common antipsychotic medication, on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study also assessed its effects on driving ability the following morning.
Study Participants and Methodology
Researchers conducted trials with 15 adults with OSA who experienced sleep maintenance difficulties. Each participant underwent two sleep studies approximately one week apart.
One night, participants consumed 50mg of quetiapine, known commercially as Seroquel, and a placebo on the other night. Quetiapine is primarily used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, but is often prescribed off-label at lower doses for sleep-related issues.
Findings from the Sleep Study
The study metrics evaluated breathing, brain activity, oxygen levels, and leg movements. Participants who took quetiapine achieved over 40 minutes additional sleep and experienced 45% less wakefulness. Apnea events decreased from 27 to 20 per hour.
Despite sleep improvements, quetiapine impaired reaction time during subsequent driving assessments. Participants had more attention lapses and deviated from their lane more often.
Side Effects and Safety Concerns
Eleven participants reported increased sleepiness post-consumption; however, several did not perceive the level of their impairment, raising concerns about the likelihood of driving or using machinery with slowed reaction times.
Other effects included nausea, restless leg syndrome, and orthostatic hypotension, affecting about one-third of participants.
Study Limitations and Further Research
Researchers noted the study’s limited scale and the single-night evaluation period. A controlled lab environment may differ from real-world conditions.
Experts recommend avoiding driving or safety-critical tasks for at least 9.5 hours post-dose, citing sex-specific metabolic differences which may affect drug efficacy and risk.
Expert Insights and Recommendations
Ashley Curtis, Ph.D., emphasized the need for longer-term studies and the understanding of cognitive impacts, especially in older adults. Behavioral treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can play a crucial role alongside medication for insomnia management.
Chelsie Rohrscheib highlighted the importance of weighing the risks and benefits and seeking professional medical advice to explore alternative treatments.
Individuals currently using quetiapine to manage sleep disturbances should consult their healthcare provider about potential risks.
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