Seroquel

Seroquel (Quetiapine)

Seroquel

Quetiapine tablet

What is it used for?

QUETIAPINE is an antipsychotic. It is used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression.

What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking this medicine?

Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:

• brain tumor or head injury
• breast cancer
• cataracts
• diabetes
• difficulty swallowing
• heart diseases
• kidney diseases
• liver diseases
• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• low blood pressure or dizziness when standing up
• Parkinson's disease
• previous history of heart attack(s)
• seizures
• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to quetiapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How is this medicine should be taken?

Take this medicine orally, swallowing it with a drink of water. If it upsets your stomach, try taking it during a meal. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. It should never be taken more often than prescribed. You should never stop taking this medicine prematurely unless your doctor specifically advised you to do so.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.

Patients over 65 years of age may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and therefore need smaller doses.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.

What are the possible interactions with the other medicine/food/etc?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• chlorpromazine
• cisapride
• droperidol
• grepafloxacin
• halofantrine
• mesoridazine
• pimozide
• sparfloxacin
• thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• alcohol
• antifungal medicines like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or voriconazole
• antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
• cimetidine
• erythromycin
• haloperidol
• lorazepam
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for Parkinson's disease
• medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
• rifampin
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

This list is not all-inclusive and may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.

Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking it?

Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo checks on your progress. It might take several weeks before you feel the full effect of this medicine.

Your health care provider may suggest you to have eye examination prior to starting this medicine, and every 6 months thereafter.

If you have been using this medicine regularly for some time period, you should never stop using it abruptly. You must gradually reduce the dose or your symptoms may get worse. Consult with your physician for more information on the issue.

Patients and their families should watch out for the worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. You should also keep an eye on the sudden or severe feeling changes such as anxiety, agitation, feeling panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or having trouble sleeping. If this is happening, especially during the beginning of the treatment course or after a dosage change, inform your health care professional right away.

You may get dizzy or drowsy. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how exactly this medicine affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are a senior patient. This is to reduce the risk of possible dizziness or the fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Refrain from using alcohol at all costs.

Do not treat yourself for colds, diarrhea or allergies. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice, some ingredients may increase possible side effects.

Does this medicine have any possible side effects?

The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:

• allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
• difficulty swallowing
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• increased hunger or thirst
• increased urination
• problems with balance, talking, walking
• seizures
• stiff muscles
• suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
• uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements
• unusual weakness or feeling tired

The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance
• constipation
• drowsy or dizzy
• dry mouth
• stomach upset
• weight gain

Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.

This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.