SEROQUEL – Quetiapine

Seroquel Used For

Seroquel (Quetiapine) is an antipsychotic medication that is prescribed for the treatment of the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and mania associated with bipolar disorder.

Directions for Seroquel medication

The prescribed starting dose of Seroquel for treatment of schizophrenia in adults is 25 mg twice a day, which can then be gradually increased to 300 to 400 mg a day, given in two or three divided doses. This can be further increased as per medical advice, but not exceeding maximum of 800 mg a day. The dose and usage for children must be determined by the doctor.

How Seroquel drug works

Patients on Seroquel must avoid driving, operating machinery or performing any other hazardous tasks since the medication may lead to dizziness or drowsiness, making these activities dangerous. Dizziness may also occur if you try to rise from a sitting or lying position and care should be taken while doing so. Alcohol may supplement the dizziness and drowsiness caused by this medication. Adequate fluid intake should be maintained, especially during hot weather and exercising as these conditions may lead to overheated state while on Seroquel. Patients with liver disease or other problems with their liver, heart disease or other heart problems such as high blood pressure, a previous heart attack, or irregular heartbeats, high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood, diabetes, or those who were diagnosed with breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, seizures or epilepsy, or hypothyroidism should inform their doctor before starting on Seroquel as these conditions may need special dose and/or monitoring during treatment.

Seroquel medicine side effects

Atypical antipsychotics such as Seroquel may cause hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar) in certain patients. Immediate medical attention should be sought if any signs of hyperglycemia including excessive thirst, frequent urination, excessive hunger, or weakness are spotted. Immediate medical attention should also be sought if uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs are experienced or the medication causes fever, sweating, severe muscle stiffness (rigidity), confusion, fast or irregular heart beats. These could be symptoms of a potentially fatal side effect called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). In certain patients, Seroquel also led to formation of cataracts in the eyes. In addition to the above, the medication may also lead to side effects like dizziness or drowsiness, agitation, constipation, dry mouth, weight gain and/or increased blood sugar (may be detected by blood tests or may cause symptoms such as increased thirst and urination).

Other Seroquel information

The tablet may be split and taken at half the dose, each dose to be taken with a full glass of water, with or without food.