Seroquel
Quetiapine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Seroquel
Seroquel is an antipsychotic medicine. It acts by altering the balance of certain chemicals (e.g. serotonin) that occur naturally in the brain and are responsible for thinking and behavior.
Therapeutic Uses of Seroquel
Seroquel is used for treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. It can also be used for treatment of other psychiatric conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Seroquel
Take Seroquel as per direction of your doctor. Read the label carefully on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Seroquel is taken orally along with food or on empty stomach. Take Seroquel at the same time each day will to remember to take it and also for best results. For best results you should take it regularly for long duration. It may take a few weeks for benefits of Seroquel to be noticed. Continue to take Seroquel even if you feel well without missing any dose of it.
If You Miss a Dose of Seroquel
If you miss a dose of Seroquel, take it as soon as you can remember it. If you miss for long time and it is almost time for the next dose you should skip the missed dose of Seroquel and start taking as usual. Never take 2 doses of Seroquel, to compensate for the missed dose.
How to Store Seroquel
Seroquel should be stored at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), but it can be stored between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) for a brief period of time. Store it in a tightly closed container away from heat, light and moisture. Keep Seroquel out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not store it in your bathroom.
More Information About Seroquel
Seroquel should be used by the person for whom it is prescribed and not shared with others. If you have any question about Seroquel, consult your doctor or other health care provider. If you do not get any improvement of symptoms consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Seroquel
Do not use Seroquel if you are allergic to it or any of the ingredients of it and consult your doctor immediately.
Some medical conditions may interact with Seroquel. If you are suffering from any medical condition that may interact with Seroquel, consult your doctor or other health care provider, especially if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- If you are pregnant, planning to have a baby or if you are breast feeding.
- If you are allergic to any medicine, any food or any other substance.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, dietary supplements etc.
- If you are alcoholic or have a history of alcohol or other substance abuse.
- If you have history of or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder like manic depression; suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, mental problem, mood problem, or any other psychiatric illness or if you have diabetes.
- If you have Alzheimer disease, dementia, or trouble swallowing, or you are obese.
- If you have history of blood problems like low white blood cell count; liver problem, thyroid problem, cataract, narrow angle glaucoma, seizures, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), high blood prolactin levels, or if you have breast cancer.
- If you have a history of heart problems like heart attack, heart failure, stroke, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia); blood vessel problems, high blood cholesterol levels, or blood pressure problem (high blood pressure or low blood pressure).
Some medicines may interact with Seroquel. If you are taking any medicine that may interact with Seroquel, you should inform your doctor or other health care provider, especially any of the following medicines:
- Barbiturates like phenobarbital, corticosteroids like prednisone; carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin (anti tuberculosis antibiotic), or thioridazine because they may decrease the effectiveness of Seroquel.
- Alpha-blockers like doxazosin or any medicine for high blood pressure because the risk of low blood pressure and fainting may be increased due to Seroquel.
- Azole antifungals like ketoconazole, macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin, telithromycin; fluvoxamine etc. because they may increase the risk of side effects of Seroquel.
- Dopamine receptor agonists (eg, pramipexole) or levodopa because their effectiveness may be decreased by Seroquel.
Possible Adverse Effects of Seroquel
- Common and minor side effects of Seroquel are nausea, mild vomiting, agitation; back pain; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; indigestion; runny nose; sore throat; stomach pain; weakness; weight gain etc. If any of the common and less serious side effects become persistent or bothersome consult your doctor.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects of Seroquel. The severe side effects of Seroquel are severe allergic reaction (manifested by skin and mucous membrane rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue etc.); altered mental abilities (including lack of response to your surroundings); high blood sugar (symptoms of high blood sugar are thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor); increased or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia); involuntary, uncontrolled muscle movements; lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position; muscle stiffness; sweating; tremor; unexplained fever; vision changes.
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