Seroquel

Seroquel

     * Generic Name: quetiapine fumarate
     * Brand Name: Seroquel


     * What is quetiapine (SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?
     * What are the possible side effects of quetiapine (SEROquel,
       SEROquel XR)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       quetiapine (SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       quetiapine (SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?
     * How should I take quetiapine (SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?
     * What happens if I overdose (SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?
     * What should I avoid while taking quetiapine (SEROquel, SEROquel
       XR)?
     * What other drugs will affect quetiapine (SEROquel, SEROquel
       XR)?
     * Where can I get more information (SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?

What is quetiapine (SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?

   Quetiapine is an antipsychotic medicine. It works by changing
   the actions of chemicals in the brain.

   Quetiapine is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children
   who are at least 13 years old.

   Quetiapine is used to treat bipolar disorder (manic depression)
   in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.

   Quetiapine is also used together with antidepressant medications to
   treat major depressive disorder in adults.

   Extended-release quetiapine (Seroquel XR) is for use only in adults and
   should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years old.

   Quetiapine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of quetiapine (SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or
   behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if
   you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless,
   hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts
   about suicide or hurting yourself.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips,
       tongue, face, arms, or legs;
     * mask-like appearance of the face, trouble swallowing, problems with
       speech;
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos
       around lights;
     * severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high
       fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats,
       tremors, fainting;
     * high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination,
       hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin,
       blurred vision, weight loss; or
     * low blood cell counts--sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever,
       chills, cold or flu symptoms, cough, sore throat, red or
       swollen gums, painful mouth sores, skin sores, trouble
       breathing.

   Common side effects may include:
     * trouble with movement;
     * dizziness, weakness;
     * increased appetite, weight gain;
     * sore throat;
     * dry mouth; or
     * nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about quetiapine
(SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?

   Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking
   quetiapine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any
   new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

   Quetiapine is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to
   dementia. Quetiapine may increase the risk of death in older adults
   with dementia-related conditions.

   Seroquel Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Schizophrenia: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

   Schizophrenia Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Schizophrenia Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking quetiapine
(SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?

   You should not use quetiapine if you are allergic to it.

   Quetiapine is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to
   dementia. Quetiapine may increase the risk of death in older adults
   with dementia-related conditions.

   To make sure quetiapine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * liver or kidney disease;
     * heart disease, heart rhythm problems, a history of heart
       attack or stroke;
     * high or low blood pressure;
     * a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
     * abnormal thyroid tests or prolactin levels;
     * seizures or epilepsy;
     * cataracts;
     * high cholesterol or triglycerides;
     * a personal or family history of diabetes; or
     * trouble swallowing.

   Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking
   quetiapine. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular
   visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes
   in your mood or symptoms.

   Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy
   may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms,
   breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or
   stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other
   problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you
   become pregnant while taking quetiapine, do not stop taking it without
   your doctor's advice.

   Quetiapine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You
   should not breast-feed while you are using quetiapine.

   Do not give quetiapine to a child without a doctor's advice.
   Extended-release quetiapine (Seroquel XR) is for use only in adults and
   should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take quetiapine (SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Never take quetiapine
   in larger amounts, or for longer than recommended by your doctor. High
   doses or long-term use of quetiapine can cause a serious movement
   disorder that may not be reversible. Symptoms of this disorder include
   tremors or other uncontrollable muscle movements.

   Take this medicine with a full glass of water. You may take quetiapine
   with or without food.

   Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it
   whole.

   Quetiapine may cause you to have high blood sugar
   (hyperglycemia). If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels
   on a regular basis while you are taking quetiapine.

   You should not stop using quetiapine suddenly. Stopping suddenly may
   make your condition worse.

   Blood pressure may need to be checked often in a child or teenager
   taking quetiapine.

   Quetiapine can cause you to have a false positive drug screening
   test. If you provide a urine sample for drug screening, tell the
   laboratory staff that you are taking quetiapine.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Seroquel Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Schizophrenia: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

   Schizophrenia Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Schizophrenia Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222. An overdose of quetiapine can be fatal.

What should I avoid while taking quetiapine (SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?

   Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

   Quetiapine may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or
   operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

   Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may
   feel dizzy. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls, fractures,
   or other injuries.

   Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot
   weather. You may be more prone to heat stroke.

What other drugs will affect quetiapine (SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?

   Quetiapine can cause a serious heart problem if you use certain
   medicines at the same time, including antibiotics, antidepressants,
   heart rhythm medicine, antipsychotic medicines, and medicines to treat
   cancer, malaria, HIV or AIDS. Tell your doctor about all
   medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your
   treatment with quetiapine.

   Taking quetiapine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your
   breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask
   your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine,
   prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety,
   depression, or seizures.

   Many drugs can interact with quetiapine. Not all possible interactions
   are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and
   any you start or stop using, especially:
     * antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
     * antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis or HIV/AIDS;
     * heart or blood pressure medicine;
     * medicine to treat mental illness;
     * St. John's wort;
     * seizure medicine; or
     * tuberculosis medicine.

   This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with
   quetiapine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines,
   vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any
   healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information (SEROquel, SEROquel XR)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about quetiapine.
     __________________________________________________________________

   Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
   children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
   medication only for the indication prescribed.
   Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by
   Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
   but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
   herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
   use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
   therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United
   States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
   Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
   recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
   resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
   for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
   supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill,
   knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a
   warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be
   construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe,
   effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume
   any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the
   aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is
   not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions,
   warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If
   you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your
   doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Comments