Quetiapine ER Tablets

Description

Generic Name: Quetiapine Extended-Release (ER)
Brand Name: Seroquel XR
Important Warning
Quetiapine ER is an atypical antipsychotic medication. It is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis, and use in elderly patients with dementia may increase the risk of death. Antidepressants, including quetiapine, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults during the initial treatment period. Patients should be closely monitored for changes in behavior or mood.

Uses for Quetiapine ER Tablets
Quetiapine ER is prescribed to treat several mental health conditions, including:

Schizophrenia
Bipolar Disorder: Manic, depressive, and mixed episodes
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): As an adjunct therapy when first-line antidepressants do not provide adequate relief
Quetiapine ER helps restore the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain, improving mood, sleep, behavior, and thinking.

Before Using Quetiapine ER
Allergies
Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to quetiapine or any other medications. Also let your healthcare provider know about allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Pediatric and Geriatric Use
Pediatric: The safety and effectiveness for certain conditions in children and adolescents may be limited. Consult your doctor for age-specific recommendations.
Geriatric: Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects like dizziness and confusion, increasing the risk of falls.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Quetiapine ER should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. There is a potential risk to the fetus, and newborns may experience withdrawal-like symptoms if the mother takes this medication during the third trimester.
Breastfeeding: Quetiapine passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.
Interactions
Medications
Quetiapine ER may interact with:

Other antipsychotics or antidepressants
Medications prolonging the QT interval (e.g., certain antibiotics, antiarrhythmics)
Blood pressure medications (e.g., beta-blockers, diuretics)
Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine) which may decrease quetiapine levels
CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin) or inducers (e.g., rifampin, St. John’s Wort) that can affect quetiapine metabolism
Food, Alcohol, and Tobacco
Grapefruit juice: May affect the metabolism of quetiapine ER.
Alcohol: Increases dizziness, drowsiness, and risk of falls. Avoid or limit consumption.
Proper Use of Quetiapine ER Tablets
Dosing Instructions
Quetiapine ER is usually taken once daily, typically in the evening, to reduce daytime drowsiness.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or split it. Breaking the tablet may release all the medication at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions carefully. The initial dose and maintenance dose vary depending on the condition being treated.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double doses to catch up.

Storage
Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep out of reach of children.

Precautions While Using Quetiapine ER
Drowsiness and Dizziness: Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how quetiapine ER affects you.
Orthostatic Hypotension: Get up slowly from sitting or lying down positions to prevent dizziness and falls.
Metabolic Changes: Quetiapine may cause weight gain, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol. Regular monitoring is recommended.
Mood Monitoring: Watch for new or worsening mood changes, depression, or suicidal thoughts, especially at the start of treatment or during dose changes.
Side Effects of Quetiapine ER Tablets
Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Attention)
Signs of severe allergic reactions (e.g., rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
Uncontrolled muscle movements or stiffness (may indicate tardive dyskinesia or neuroleptic malignant syndrome)
Rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain
Severe dizziness or fainting
Common Side Effects
Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue
Dry mouth
Constipation
Headache
Increased appetite and weight gain
Rare Side Effects
Mood changes such as irritability, agitation, or anxiety
Changes in blood pressure or heart rate
Emergency Situations and Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include:

Severe sedation
Irregular heartbeat
Seizures or loss of consciousness
If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns, experience persistent side effects, or have questions about taking quetiapine ER. Follow your doctor’s instructions for safe and effective use.

Full Prescribing Information.
Cleveland Clinic Patient Information.
Medlineplus Drug Information.