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Quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroque)


Uses

 

Quetiapine is used to treat conditions such as bipolar disorder, mania, depression and schizophrenia. It helps to balance the natural chemicals within the brain in order to achieve its benefits.

 

 

How to Use

 

Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with or without food.

 

If stomach upset occurs, you can take it with food or milk to decrease this effect.

 

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.

 

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

 

 

Important Information

 

Be sure to have regular check ups with your doctor while taking this medication.

 

Your doctor may suggest that you have an eye examination before you start this medicine, and every 6 months while you are taking it.

 

Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting with your doctor, this can cause unwanted side effects and the doctor may want you to gradually decrease the dose.

 

Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that requires fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you.

 

Stand and sit slowly when first starting this medication to avoid dizziness. Avoid alcohol consumption to decrease the chance of dizziness or a hangover effect.

 

Do not self treat yourself for coughs, colds, diarrhea, or allergies while on this medication. Consult with your doctor before doing so in order to decrease the chance of side effects.

 

This medication can affect your body’s response to cold or heat. Avoid extreme temperatures such as sauna’s, steam rooms, or cold showers. Be sure to stay hydrated if you are being active and wear clothing to protect from temperature extremes.

 

It is important for patients and their families to monitor for any mood and behavioral changes and contact a healthcare provider in the case of  depression, thoughts of suicide, anxiousness, hostility, aggression, restlessness, excitability, and lack of ability to sleep.

 

 

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

 

Liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, pain or difficulty swallowing, diabetes, cataracts, breast cancer, previous brain tumor or head injuries, abnormal blood counts, low blood pressure or dizziness upon standing, Parkinson’s Disease, history of heart attack, seizures, depression, previous suicidal thoughts or actions by you or a family member, thyroid disease, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

 

 

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

 

Allergic reactions(hives, rashes, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, excessive fatigue, uncontrollable movements of the head, face, neck, arms or legs, mood changes, suicidal thoughts or actions, stiffness in the muscles, seizures, changes  in balance, walking or talking, increased urination, increased hunger or thirst, fever, chills, sore throat, changes in heartbeat(increased heart rate), trouble swallowing.

 

 

Other Side Effects

 

Constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, stomach upset, weight gain, changes in libido.

 

 

Adult Dose

 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

 

Extended Release Tablets: 50-300 mg by mouth daily. (off label dosing).

 

 

Bipolar Disorder, Mania, Bipolar Depression Phase, Acute and Maintenance

 

50 mg by mouth twice daily on the first day for patients not at risk of hypotension. The dose can then be increased by up to 100 mg per day in two divided doses to 400 mg per day on day 4. If necessary the dose can be further increased to up to 800 mg per day on day 6 by increments of no more than 200 mg per day.

 

 

Major Depressive Disorder Monotherapy

 

Extended Release Tablets: 50 mg by mouth once daily on days 1 and 2, then 150 mg by mouth once daily on days 3 and 4, then 300 mg once daily. The dose may be titrated slower if necessary. The previous antidepressant should be discontinued by day 7.

 

 

Major Depressive Disorder Adjunctive Therapy

 

Extended Release Tablets: 50 mg by mouth daily taken in the evening as a starting dose. The dose is then increased to 150 mg by mouth once daily taken in the evening on the third day. The usual dosage range is between 150-300 mg per day.

 

Schizophrenia

 

Immediate Release Tablets: 25 mg by mouth twice daily on day 1. The total daily dosage is then increased by 25-50 mg in 2-3 divided doses on days 2 and 3. The target dose is 300-400 mg by mouth daily in 2-3 divided doses by day 4. Further dose adjustments are made by 25-50 mg twice a day at intervals of no less than 2 days.

 

Sources

 

1. Seroquel XR (quetiapine fumarate extended-release tablets) [package insert]. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals; 2016.

 

2. Seroquel ® oral tablets, quetiapine fumarate oral tablets[package insert]. Wilmington, DE:  AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP (per FDA); 2013.

 

3. Seroquel XR (R) oral extended-release tablets, quetiapine fumarate oral extended-release tablets[package insert]. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP (per FDA); 2013.

 

4. Seroquel (quetiapine) [package insert]. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP; 2013.

 

5. Seroquel XR (quetiapine) [package insert]. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP; 2013.



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