Brand name:SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine )
Pronounced: SER-oh-kwell
Generic name: Quetiapine fumarate
Why is SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) prescribed?
SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) is prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia, a mental
disorder marked by delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations, disrupted
thinking, and loss of contact with reality. It is also used for the
short-term treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder.
SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) is the first in a new class of antipsychotic medications.
Researchers believe that it works by diminishing the action of dopamine
and serotonin, two of the brain's chief chemical messengers.
Most important fact about SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine )
without a prescriptions
SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) may cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition characterized by
uncontrollable muscle spasms and twitches in the face and body. This
problem can be permanent, and appears to be most common among older
adults, especially women.
How should you take SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine )?
Your doctor will increase your dose gradually until the drug takes
effect. If you stop SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) for more than 1 week, you'll need to build
up to your ideal dosage once again.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ).
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, constipation, diminished movement, dizziness, drowsiness, dry
mouth, excessive muscle tone, headache, indigestion, low blood pressure (especially
upon standing), nasal inflammation, neck rigidity, rapid or irregular heartbeat,
rash, sleepiness, tremor, uncontrollable movements, weakness
Why should SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) not be prescribed?
If SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) gives you an allergic reaction, you will not be able to
use SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ).
Special warnings about SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine )
Call your doctor immediately if you develop muscle stiffness, confusion,
irregular or rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, and high fever. These
are signs of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a serious--and potentially
fatal--reaction to the drug. Be especially wary if you have a history
of heart attack, heart disease, heart failure, circulation problems,
or irregular heartbeat.
Particularly during the first few days of therapy, SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) can cause
low blood pressure, with accompanying dizziness, fainting, and rapid
heartbeat. To minimize these effects, your doctor will increase your
dose gradually. If you are prone to low blood pressure, take blood
pressure medication, or become dehydrated, use SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) with caution.
SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) also tends to
cause drowsiness, especially at the start of therapy, and can impair
your judgment, thinking, and motor skills.
Until you are certain of the drug's effect, use caution when operating
machinery or driving a car.Certain antipsychotic drugs, including SEROQUEL
( Quetiapine ), are associated with an increased risk of developing
high blood sugar, which on rare occasions
has led to coma or death. See your doctor right away if you develop
signs of high blood sugar, including dry mouth, unusual thirst, increased
urination, and tiredness. If you have diabetes or have a high risk
of developing it, see your doctor regularly for blood sugar testing.People
at high risk of suicide attempts should be prescribed the lowest dose
possible to reduce the risk of intentional overdose.SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine
) should be used cautiously in older people and those with Alzheimer's
disease. Antipsychotic drug treatment has
been associated
with swallowing and breathing problems in these patients.Animal studies
suggest that SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) may
increase the risk of breast cancer, although human studies have not
confirmed such a risk. If you
have a history of breast cancer, see your doctor regularly for checkups.If
you are having problems with your vision, tell your doctor. There is
a chance that SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) may
cause cataracts, and you may be asked
to see an eye doctor when you start SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) therapy,
and every 6 months thereafter.
SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) poses a very slight
risk of seizures, especially if you are over 65, or have epilepsy or
Alzheimer's disease. The drug can also
suppress an underactive thyroid, and generally causes a minor increase
in cholesterol levels. There is also a remote chance that it will trigger
a prolonged and painful erection.Other antipsychotic medications have
been known to interfere with the body's temperature-regulating mechanism,
causing patients to overheat.
Although this problem has not occurred with SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ),
caution is still advisable. Avoid exposure to extreme heat, strenuous
exercise, and
dehydration.SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) is
prescribed for the short-term treatment of rapid-onset bipolar mania;
it is not approved for preventing future episodes. The
effectiveness of the drug for treating mania for more than 3 weeks
has not been studied.The safety and effectiveness of SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine
) have not been studied in children.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine )
SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) increases the effects of alcohol. Avoid alcoholic beverages
while on SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) therapy.
If SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) with the following:
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Levodopa (Laradopa, Sinemet)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane)
Steroid medications such as hydrocortisone and prednisone
Thioridazine (Mellaril)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The possibility of harm to a developing baby has not been ruled out.
You should take SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh
this potential risk. Notify your doctor as soon as you become pregnant
or decide to become pregnant.
It is not known whether SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine ) appears in breast milk, and breastfeeding
is not recommended.
Recommended dosage for SEROQUEL ( Quetiapine )
SCHIZOPHRENIA
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.
