Quetiapine Tablets

Description

Generic Name: Quetiapine
Brand Names: Seroquel, Seroquel XR
Important Warning
Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication. It is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia. 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 Tablets
Quetiapine is prescribed to treat several mental health conditions, including:

Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder: For both manic and depressive episodes.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): As an adjunct therapy with other antidepressants.
Quetiapine helps to balance neurotransmitters in the brain, reducing symptoms such as hallucinations, mood swings, and depressive symptoms.

Before Using Quetiapine
Allergies
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to quetiapine or any other medications. Also disclose any allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Pediatric and Geriatric Use
Pediatric: Quetiapine is approved for use in children aged 10 and older for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It should be used with caution and under close supervision.
Geriatric: Older adults may be at increased risk of side effects such as drowsiness, low blood pressure, and falls.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Quetiapine should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed. There is a risk of withdrawal symptoms and breathing problems in newborns if used in the third trimester.
Breastfeeding: Quetiapine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions
Medications
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following, as they may interact with quetiapine:

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) or inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin).
Other antipsychotics or antidepressants.
Medications that prolong QT interval (e.g., amiodarone, quinidine).
Blood pressure medications (e.g., beta-blockers, diuretics).
Sedatives or alcohol: May increase drowsiness.
Food, Alcohol, and Tobacco
Avoid alcohol, as it may increase drowsiness and dizziness. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interfere with how quetiapine is processed in the body.

Proper Use of Quetiapine Tablets
Dosing Instructions
Take quetiapine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
It may be taken with or without food.
Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets (Seroquel XR); swallow them whole.
Dosage
The dosage varies based on the condition being treated and individual patient needs:

For Schizophrenia:
Adults: Start with 25 mg twice daily. Gradually increase to 150–750 mg/day, divided into 2–3 doses.
Children (13–17 years): Start with 25 mg twice daily. Gradually increase to 400–800 mg/day.
For Bipolar Disorder:
Adults: Start with 50 mg twice daily. Gradually increase to 400–800 mg/day.
Children (10–17 years): Initial dose is 50 mg/day, increased gradually to 400–600 mg/day.
For Major Depressive Disorder (Adjunct Therapy):
Adults: Start with 50 mg/day (at bedtime). May increase to 150–300 mg/day.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double doses.

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

Precautions While Using Quetiapine
Drowsiness and Dizziness: Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how quetiapine affects you.
Weight Gain and Metabolic Changes: Quetiapine may cause weight gain, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol. Regular monitoring is recommended.
Low Blood Pressure: May cause dizziness, especially when standing up. Get up slowly from sitting or lying positions.
Infections: Quetiapine may lower white blood cell counts, increasing infection risk. Inform your doctor of any signs of fever or sore throat.
Side Effects of Quetiapine Tablets
Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Attention)
Severe allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing).
Signs of high blood sugar (e.g., extreme thirst, frequent urination).
Uncontrolled muscle movements or stiffness (may indicate tardive dyskinesia or neuroleptic malignant syndrome).
Severe dizziness or fainting (low blood pressure).
Vision changes or severe headache (may indicate cataracts or high blood pressure).
Common Side Effects
Drowsiness or dizziness.
Dry mouth.
Constipation.
Weight gain.
Headache.
Rare Side Effects
Restlessness or difficulty sitting still (akathisia).
Mood changes, such as depression or agitation.
Emergency Situations and Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include:

Severe drowsiness or sedation.
Irregular or fast heartbeat.
Loss of consciousness.
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning symptoms or have questions about taking quetiapine.

Full Prescribing Information.

MedlinePlus Drug Information.