Seroquel
QuetiapineIndications
- Seroquel is used to treat mental/mood conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
- Quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug, restores the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.
- It reduces hallucinations, improves concentration, and enhances overall cognitive function.
- Seroquel can positively impact self-perception, reduce nervousness, and promote active participation in daily life.
- It may improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels.
- Quetiapine helps prevent severe mood swings and reduces their frequency.
Dosage and administration
- Read the Medication Guide and Patient Information Leaflet before using quetiapine and consult your doctor or pharmacist with any questions.
- Take the medication orally, 2 or 3 times daily with or without food, as directed by your doctor.
- For depression associated with bipolar disorder, take it once daily at bedtime.
- Dosage depends on medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications; inform your doctor/pharmacist about all products you use.
- To minimize side effects, your doctor may start you on a low dose, gradually increasing it. Take it regularly at the same times each day.
- Do not exceed prescribed dose or use it more often/longer than directed; this won’t hasten improvement and increases side effect risk.
- Continue taking the medication even if feeling well; do not stop abruptly without consulting your doctor.
- Some conditions may worsen if the drug is suddenly stopped; report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
- Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side effects
- Common side effects may include constipation, drowsiness, upset stomach, tiredness, weight gain, blurred vision, or dry mouth.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur, especially when starting or increasing the dose.
- The medication is prescribed because its benefits outweigh the risk of side effects for most people.
- Serious side effects include persistent constipation, unrelenting nausea/vomiting, restlessness, mental/mood changes, difficulty swallowing, yellowing of eyes/skin, interrupted breathing during sleep, trouble urinating.
- Seek immediate medical help for very serious side effects like fainting, seizure, severe dizziness.
- The drug may raise blood sugar levels, potentially causing or worsening diabetes; monitor symptoms and consult your doctor.
- Significant weight gain, increased cholesterol/triglyceride levels, and potential heart disease risk may occur; discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Rare conditions associated with the medication include tardive dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements) and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, muscle stiffness, confusion).
- Quetiapine may increase prolactin levels, leading to unwanted effects like breast milk production, missed/stopped periods, or reproductive difficulties.
- Rarely, males may experience a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Very serious allergic reactions are rare but require immediate medical help and may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- This list is not exhaustive; contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any other effects.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies or other medications you are taking, as quetiapine may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions.
- Before using quetiapine, disclose your medical history, including eye cataracts, liver disease, low white blood cell count, seizure disorder, trouble swallowing, thyroid problems, intestinal issues, diabetes, substance use disorder, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and difficulty urinating.
- Quetiapine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid alcohol or marijuana, and exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.
- The medication may lead to QT prolongation, a condition affecting heart rhythm, especially if you have certain medical conditions or take drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Inform your doctor about all medications and relevant medical conditions.
- Low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood may increase the risk of QT prolongation; discuss the use of quetiapine with your doctor if you have conditions like severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- Quetiapine may reduce sweating, increasing the risk of heat stroke. Take precautions in hot weather, stay hydrated, and seek medical help if you experience symptoms like fever, mental/mood changes, headache, or dizziness.
- Inform your doctor or dentist about all medications before surgery.
- Children may be at higher risk for certain side effects, and older adults may be more sensitive to drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and QT prolongation.
- During pregnancy, use quetiapine only, when necessary, as it may have rare effects on newborns. Consult your doctor if you notice symptoms in your newborn.
- Do not stop taking the medication without your doctor’s guidance, especially if you have untreated mental/mood problems.
- Quetiapine passes into breast milk; consult your doctor before breastfeeding and monitor for any adverse effects on the nursing infant.
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