Seroquel (Quetiapine)

What is Seroquel?

Seroquel (quetiapine) is an antipsychotic medicine that belongs to the chemical class of dibenzothiazepine derivatives.

What is Seroquel used for?

Seroquel is indicated for the treatment of symptoms of psychotic conditions like bipolar disorder (manic depression) in adults and children aged 10 years and above, schizophrenia (in adults and children aged 13 years and above), and other major depressive disorder in adults. The medicine helps decrease hallucinations and improves concentration. It may also help prevent severe mood swings.

How does Seroquel work?

Seroquel works by restoring the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

How to use Seroquel

Seroquel should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger/smaller amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken twice or thrice daily, with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Do not break, crush or chew an extended release tablet. Swallow it whole. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day. Get your blood cells, blood pressure and vision tested on a regular basis.

Seroquel warnings and precautions

Do not use Seroquel in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Prior to taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, kidney or liver disease, epilepsy, personal or family history of diabetes, cataracts, thyroid disorder, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, swallowing trouble; or a history of low WBC (white blood cell) counts, stroke or heart attack.  

While using Seroquel, avoid drinking alcohol and performing activities that require alertness. Also, avoid being dehydrated or overheated especially in hot weather or while exercising. Do not get up too fast from a lying or sitting position in order to prevent a fall. Minimize the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Seroquel dose?

If you have missed your Seroquel dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Seroquel overdose?

If you have taken a Seroquel overdose you should seek medical attention immediately.

Seroquel interactions

Before taking Seroquel, consult your doctor if you take lorazepam (Ativan), cimetidine (Tagamet), steroids (prednisone), antibiotics such as erythromycin (E.E.S, E-Mycin, Ery-Tab), rifabutin (Mycobutin) or rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin, Rifater); blood pressure medicines, medicines to treat certain heart conditions, medicines indicated for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease, antifungal medicines such as itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Ketozole, Nizoral, Extina, Xolegal), fluconazole (Diflucan); medicine to treat depression or mental illness, such as risperidone (Risperdal), haloperidol (Haldol), fluoxetine (Prozac), imipramine (Tofranil), or thioridazine (Mellaril); HIV medication such as lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), ritonavir (Norvir), indinavir (Crixivan), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), saquinavir (Invirase); or seizure medication such as divalproex (Depakote), phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), or valproate (Depakene).

Tell your doctor abo

Seroquel side effects

Seroquel side effects include hives, sleeping or breathing trouble, anxiety, behavior changes, agitation, aggressiveness, hyperactivity (physical or mental), restlessness; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions.

Fast or uneven heartbeats, stiff muscles, sudden headache, fever, increased thirst, increased sweating, increased frequency of urination, uncontrollable jerky muscle movements, white patches or sores in mouth or on lips, nausea, vomiting, tremors, excessive hunger, pain in eyes, blurred vision, problems with speech, swallowing trouble, and body ache are also side effects from Seroquel. If you get any of these side effects after using Seroquel, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, constipation, dry mouth, fatigue, sore throat, increased appetite, stomach pain, breast swelling or discharge, missed menstrual periods are some less serious side effects of Seroquel.