Seroquel (quetiapine) is an antipsychotic drug which hinders the nerves of the brain from communicating with each other. It is not known exactly how it works, but it helps balance out the natural chemicals in the brain. It blocks the receptors of the nerves on several neurotransmitters of the brain such as dopamine type 2 (D2) and serotonin type 2 (5-HT2).

Seroquel may be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat mental or mood disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It helps to lessen hallucinations and improves concentration. Seroquel helps the individual feel less nervous and think more positively about themselves, allowing them to be more involved in everyday life. It also helps to prevent severe mood swings and lessens the time between mood swings. It may also be used alone or with other medication to treat depression. This medicine may also be prescribed to treat severe behavioral problems in children..http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4718-Seroquel+Oral.aspx?drugid=4718&drugname=Seroquel+Oral

There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as stroke, heart failure) when this medication is used in elderly patients with dementia. This medication is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with the doctor. It may take several weeks for the complete benefits of Seroquel to be realized.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4718-Seroquel+Oral.aspx?drugid=4718&drugname=Seroquel+Oral

Cautions

Be sure to read all the information that comes with Seroquel and for any other drugs you may be taking. If you have questions, be sure to ask them.

Discuss with your doctor any allergies you have, and especially if you are allergic to Seroquel. There may be other ingredients in the medication that you may be allergic to, so be sure to see what they are.

Let your doctor know if you have any of the following:

1. Alzheimer’s disease
2. trouble swallowing
3. thyroid problems
4. dehydration
5. cataracts
6. liver disease
7. low blood pressure
8. history of stroke or disease of the blood vessels in the brain
9. blood disorders like leukopenia or neutropenia
10. seizures http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4718-Seroquel+Oral.aspx?drugid=4718&drugname=Seroquel+Oral

Also let the doctor know if you or a member of your family has a history of: diabetes, heart disease or rhythm irregularities, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, obesity, alcohol or drug abuse, or high blood pressure.

Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this drug will affect you.

Do not drink alcohol.

If you have diabetes you may want to discuss taking Seroquel with the doctor because it causes significant weight gain and raises cholesterol or triglyceride levels. It can increase your risk of developing heart disease. In addition, it can raise your blood sugar levels and could possibly cause a diabetic coma. If you have increased thirst or urination, or if your vision changes, be sure to tell your doctor immediately. Be sure to check your blood sugar levels often.

Seroquel also increases the risk of heat stroke. Avoid hot tubs, exercising in hot weather, and strenuous work which can cause you to overheat. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in cool or air-conditioned areas, and dress lightly.

The elderly should be cautious when taking Seroquel because dizziness may occur which could cause a fall.

Seroquel should only be taken during pregnancy if it is necessary. Breastfeeding is not recommended because it may transfer in breast milk and could put the infant at risk. http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4718-Seroquel+Oral.aspx?drugid=4718&drugname=Seroquel+Oral

Drug Interactions

Seroquel should not be used with Meridia (sibutramine) because serious interactions could occur. If you are currently taking Meridia, let your doctor know before starting Seroquel.

It is important to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking, including prescriptions, herbal products or over-the-counter medications, especially:

1. anticholinergics (e.g. belladonna alkaloids, benztropine, scopolamine)
2. dopamine-like drugs (e.g. bromocriptine, cabergoline)
3. levodopa
4. rifabutin
5. high blood pressure medication (e.g. prazosin, calcium channel blockers, diuretics)
6. drugs affecting liver enzymes (e.g. azole antifungals)
7. barbiturates (e.g. phenobarbital)
8. glucocorticoids (e.g. dexamethasone)
9. macrolide antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin)
10. rifampin
11. anti-seizure medication (e.g. thioridazine)
12. thyroid medication (e.g. thyroxine)

Also, let your doctor know if you are taking any drugs that increase seizure risk when taken in conjunction with Seroquel, such as bupropion, isoniazid, chlorpromazine, tramadol, theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants.

Drugs that cause drowsiness could interact with Seroquel, such as antihistamines, anti-seizure drugs, sleep or anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers, or psychiatric medications. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are taking any of the above. http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4718-Seroquel+Oral.aspx?drugid=4718&drugname=Seroquel+Oral

Specific drugs that may interact with Seroquel are: Cogentin, Parlodel, Tegretol, Bentyl, Prozac, Ismelin, lithium, Demerol, Aldomet, Dilantin, Inderal, Artane, Depakene, Zagam, Raxar, Ismelin, Guamadre, Lithium, metrizamide, Percocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Endocet, Xanax, Klonopin, Minipress, and Hytrin. Other drugs that may interfere with an enzyme in the liver are Nizoral, Sporanox, Diflucan, Biaxin, Serzone, Calan, Isoptin, Verelan, Cardizem, Tiazac, and Dilacor. These drugs can cause toxic and elevated levels of Seroquel.http://www.medicinenet.com/quetiapine/article.htm

These are only some of the drugs that could interact with Seroquel. There are 19 medications that have major interaction and 792 drugs that have moderate interaction. Be sure to discuss all medication with your doctor or pharmacist. http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/quetiapine,seroquel.html

Take Seroquel two to three times daily by mouth, as directed by the doctor. Seroquel may be taken either with or without food.

Seroquel is usually prescribed at a lower dose initially to reduce side effects, especially lightheadedness or dizziness. Your ultimate dosage will be determined by how you respond and what condition you have. If you have to stop for at least a week and then begin taking Seroquel again, you may need to begin with the lower dosage.

Taking Seroquel regularly is important to get the most benefit. Taking it at the same times each day can help you remember.

Even when you are feeling better keep taking Seroquel as prescribed. Some conditions could worsen when the drug is stopped suddenly.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4718-Seroquel+Oral.aspx?drugid=4718&drugname=Seroquel+Oral

The recommended initial dosage for bipolar disorder is 100 mg/day take in two doses. The dose can be increased as needed by 100 mg until it reaches 400 mg (800 mg/day). Since most patients respond to 400-800 mg/day, great amounts have not been studied.

Initial dosage for schizophrenia is 50 mg/day taken in two doses. This dosage can be increased as needed by 25-50 mg/day two or three times daily. The target dosage is 300-400 mg/day taken in either two or three doses. Patients respond to 150-750 mg/day. Greater dosages than 800 mg/day have not been evaluated.http://www.medicinenet.com/quetiapine/article.htm<ref>

Stopping Seroquel suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, especially if you have used it for a long time or in high doses. Symptoms include nausea, insomnia, diarrhea, and irritability. To prevent withdrawals ease off the medication gradually. Report any withdrawal symptoms to your doctor or pharmacist.

Drink a limited amount of grapefruit juice or the amount of grapefruit you consume while on Seroquel. It can increase the amount of Seroquel that gets into your blood stream.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4718-Seroquel+Oral.aspx?drugid=4718&drugname=Seroquel+Oral

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Do not share this medication with anyone, it is against the law.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.

Take this drug as directed. Do not take more than prescribed or for longer than prescribed.

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the dose and continue on as usual. Do not double dose.

Dispose of the medication safely, not down the drain or in the toilet.

Keep away from children and pets.http://www.medicinenet.com/quetiapine-oral/article.htm

Potentially Fatal Reactions to Seroquel

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal complex which has been reported from the use of antipsychotic drugs. Symptoms of NMS are: high fevers, rigid muscles, irregular blood pressure or pulse, rapid heart rate, heart arrhythmias, altered mental status, or excessive sweating.

Get immediately medical attention if you experience serious allergic reactions to Seroquel, such as: rash, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, and itching or swelling of the face, tongue, and throat.

Using Seroquel or any other antipsychotic medication can lead to tardive dyskinesia that is irreversible. Tardive dyskinesia is a neurologic disease which causes movements of the lips, tongue and jaw which are involuntary.http://www.medicinenet.com/quetiapine/page2.htm

Serious Side Effects

Be sure to contact your doctor immediately if you have any of the following rare, but serious, side effects: irregular or fast heartbeat, constant need to move, tremor or shakiness, fainting, shuffling or slow walk, signs of infection, mood or mental changes (anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts), weakness, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the feet, legs, or arms.http://forums.psychcentral.com/meds/seroquel.html

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: seizures, vision changes.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4718-Seroquel+Oral.aspx?drugid=4718&drugname=Seroquel+Oral

Common Side Effects

More common side effects of Seroquel include: headache, stomach upset or pain, dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, tiredness, dry mouth, or nasal congestion. It these symptoms persist or worsen, contact your physician.

Other Complications

Dizziness and drowsiness increase your risk of falls. Be sure to get up slowly from a sitting or lying position to reduce this risk.

There is a chemical in the body called prolactin which may cause unwanted breast milk, missed or stopped periods, or difficulty becoming pregnant in females. In males it may result in a lessened sexual ability, inability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms. Another symptom that could occur in males is a prolonged erection (more than four hours). If this occurs, stop your medication, and seek immediately medical attention or permanent problems could occur.

While taking this medication you should be checked regularly for blood pressure, cholesterol/triglyceride levels, fasting blood sugar, weight, and have regular eye examinations.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4718-Seroquel+Oral.aspx?drugid=4718&drugname=Seroquel+Oral

The content on this page is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak with a qualified heath care professional to ensure that you have the most accurate information regarding any medications.