Seroquel

The active ingredient in Seroquel is quetiapine. Seroquel works by targeting specific neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin. By blocking certain receptors, it helps regulate the balance of chemicals in the brain, leading to improved mood, reduced hallucinations, and enhanced cognitive functioning. This unique mechanism of action sets Seroquel apart from other antipsychotic medications.

Follow all directions given by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full prescribing information, FDA-approved product labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Seroquel. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Seroquel:

• Try to take Seroquel at the same time daily, as this can help maintain a stable level of the medication in your body.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet, as this could release the drug too quickly.
• Follow your prescribed dosage. Start with the exact dosage your doctor prescribes, usually beginning with a low dose that may be gradually increased.
• Take Seroquel with or without food. Often, it is recommended that you take Seroquel with food if you have nausea after taking the medication.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

The most common side effects of quetiapine seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Constipation and/or abnormal abdominal pain
• Pain
• Agitation
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Weight gain, and a rise in triglyceride levels
• Seroquel can cause more weight gain than other antipsychotics such as haloperidol, olanzapine, thioridazine, risperidone, and thiothixene.
• Difficulty controlling your muscles
• Vomiting
• Fast heart rate
• Trouble sleeping
• Weakness
• Nasal congestion
• Fatigue
• Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up from sitting or lying down)

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Seroquel. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Seizures
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Dangerously high blood sugar
• Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
• Serious infection
• Severe allergic reactions
• Under-active thyroid
• Severe muscle stiffness

These are not all of the possible side effects of Seroquel. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Seroquel, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Had cerebrovascular events such as stroke or transient ischemic attack, especially if you are an older adult patient with dementia-related psychoses, as atypical antipsychotics may increase this risk.
• If you have symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), inform your doctor immediately, as this condition can require urgent discontinuation of treatment and close monitoring.
• A history of metabolic issues, including hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, or weight gain, since atypical antipsychotics can worsen these conditions.
• Had a test that showed abnormal prolactin levels.
• Trouble urinating from an enlarged prostate.
• If you have diabetes or are at risk for it, ask your doctor about monitoring for signs of hyperglycemia, such as increased thirst, urination, hunger, or weakness, and discuss routine glucose testing.
• Discuss any history of high cholesterol or lipid issues with your doctor, as atypical antipsychotics can cause lipid changes. Regular lipid tests, including fasting blood tests, may be recommended.
• Concerns about weight gain, as weight changes, are possible with atypical antipsychotic treatment, and they may suggest monitoring.
• Heart disease or a family history of heart disease.
• Experienced movements that could indicate tardive dyskinesia, as this may require stopping treatment if clinically appropriate.
• Been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
• Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, notify your doctor, as atypical antipsychotics may lower blood pressure, and caution is advised.
• Experienced high blood pressure, especially in children and adolescents, as monitoring may be needed at the beginning and periodically during treatment.
• If you have a history of low white blood cell counts (WBC), leukopenia, or neutropenia, discuss this with your doctor. Regular blood count monitoring may be necessary, and the medication might be discontinued if your WBC declines without another cause.
• Had cataracts or vision issues, as long-term quetiapine use may cause lens changes. Eye exams are recommended at the start and every six months during chronic treatment.
• Have an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of magnesium or potassium).
• Mention if you take other anticholinergic drugs or have urinary retention, prostatic hypertrophy, or constipation, as atypical antipsychotics can have anticholinergic effects and may worsen these conditions.

Boxed Warning

Seroquel does include a boxed warning, which includes an increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Refer to the full Prescribing Information for a detailed boxed warning.

Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis who are treated with antipsychotic drugs have a higher risk of death. Seroquel is not approved for use in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

There is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants. Patients should be monitored for any worsening or emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

The following are contraindications with Seroquel. Speak to your healthcare professional for more information and specifics.

• Do not use Seroquel if you have a known allergy to quetiapine or any of its ingredients, as this can cause severe allergic reactions.

Seroquel can show some effects within a few days, with sedative effects typically felt within 30 minutes to a few hours. For conditions like bipolar disorder, improvements in mood and energy levels may be noticed within one to two weeks, but full benefits could take up to six weeks. In treating schizophrenia or other psychotic symptoms, some improvement may occur within a week, but full effects often take four to six weeks. Individual response times can vary, so it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to monitor progress.

When Seroquel is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking, including:

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, or ritonavir, the dose should be reduced to one-sixth.
• If quetiapine is used with potent CYP3A4 inducers like phenytoin, rifampin, carbamazepine, or St. John's wort for a chronic treatment period (more than 7-14 days), the dose may need to be increased up to five times.
• Other medications that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm). This includes antiarrhythmics (e.g., quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, and sotalol), antipsychotic medications (e.g., ziprasidone, chlorpromazine, and thioridazine), antibiotics (e.g., gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin).
• Anticholinergic medications, which include antihistamines and meds commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems.
• After discontinuing strong CYP3A4 inducers, quetiapine's dose should be reduced by five-fold within 7-14 days.

Seroquel and Seroquel XR brand names come as tablets, in multiple strengths, including 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg. Seroquel can be used alone or with divalproex or lithium to treat your mental health condition.

Store Seroquel at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Also, keep Seroquel out of the reach of children.

Seroquel is manufactured by AstraZeneca.

Yes, Seroquel has a generic known as quetiapine fumarate.

To stop taking Seroquel, it's important to follow your doctor's instructions, as discontinuing the medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a return of the condition being treated. Typically, your doctor will recommend a gradual tapering process to reduce the dose slowly over time. This helps your body adjust and minimizes potential side effects or symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, or agitation. During the tapering process, your doctor will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Seroquel may cause extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms in neonates who are exposed in the third trimester.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Currently, the recommendation is that the pros and cons should be assessed before deciding to take Seroquel while breastfeeding. Seroquel has been found in breast milk.