Brand name:SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel )
Pronounced: SER-oh-kwell
Generic name: Quetiapine fumarate
Why is SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) prescribed?
SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) is prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia, a mental
disorder marked by delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations, disrupted
thinking, and loss of contact with reality. It is also used for the
short-term treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder.
SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) is the first in a new class of antipsychotic medications.
Researchers believe that it works by diminishing the action of dopamine
and serotonin, two of the brain's chief chemical messengers.
Most important fact about SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel )
SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) may cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition characterized by
uncontrollable muscle spasms and twitches in the face and body. This
problem can be permanent, and appears to be most common among older
adults, especially women.
How should you take SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel )?
Your doctor will increase your dose gradually until the drug takes
effect. If you stop SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) for more than 1 week, you'll need to build
up to your ideal dosage once again.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ).
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, constipation, diminished movement, dizziness, drowsiness, dry
mouth, excessive muscle tone, headache, indigestion, low blood pressure (especially
upon standing), nasal inflammation, neck rigidity, rapid or irregular heartbeat,
rash, sleepiness, tremor, uncontrollable movements, weakness
Why should SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) not be prescribed?
If SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) gives you an allergic reaction, you will not be able to
use SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ).
Special warnings about SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel )
Call your doctor immediately if you develop muscle stiffness, confusion,
irregular or rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, and high fever. These
are signs of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a serious--and potentially
fatal--reaction to the drug. Be especially wary if you have a history
of heart attack, heart disease, heart failure, circulation problems,
or irregular heartbeat.
Particularly during the first few days of therapy, SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) can cause
low blood pressure, with accompanying dizziness, fainting, and rapid
heartbeat. To minimize these effects, your doctor will increase your
dose gradually. If you are prone to low blood pressure, take blood
pressure medication, or become dehydrated, use SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) with caution.
SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) also tends to
cause drowsiness, especially at the start of therapy, and can impair
your judgment, thinking, and motor skills.
Until you are certain of the drug's effect, use caution when operating
machinery or driving a car.Certain antipsychotic drugs, including SEROQUIN
( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ), are associated with an
increased risk of developing high blood sugar, which on rare occasions
has led to coma or death. See your doctor right away if you develop
signs of high blood sugar, including dry mouth, unusual thirst, increased
urination, and tiredness. If you have diabetes or have a high risk
of developing it, see your doctor regularly for blood sugar testing.People
at high risk of suicide attempts should be prescribed the lowest dose
possible to reduce the risk of intentional overdose.SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine
Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) should be used cautiously in older people
and those with Alzheimer's disease. Antipsychotic drug treatment has
been associated
with swallowing and breathing problems in these patients.Animal studies
suggest that SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) may
increase the risk of breast cancer, although human studies have not
confirmed such a risk. If you
have a history of breast cancer, see your doctor regularly for checkups.If
you are having problems with your vision, tell your doctor. There is
a chance that SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) may
cause cataracts, and you may be asked
to see an eye doctor when you start SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate
, Generic Seroquel ) therapy, and every 6 months thereafter.
SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) poses a very slight
risk of seizures, especially if you are over 65, or have epilepsy or
Alzheimer's disease. The drug can also
suppress an underactive thyroid, and generally causes a minor increase
in cholesterol levels. There is also a remote chance that it will trigger
a prolonged and painful erection.Other antipsychotic medications have
been known to interfere with the body's temperature-regulating mechanism,
causing patients to overheat.
Although this problem has not occurred with SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate
, Generic Seroquel ), caution is still advisable. Avoid exposure to
extreme heat, strenuous exercise, and
dehydration.SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) is
prescribed for the short-term treatment of rapid-onset bipolar mania;
it is not approved for preventing future episodes. The
effectiveness of the drug for treating mania for more than 3 weeks
has not been studied.The safety and effectiveness of SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine
Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) have not been studied in children.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel )
SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) increases the effects of alcohol. Avoid alcoholic beverages
while on SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) therapy.
If SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) with the following:
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Levodopa (Laradopa, Sinemet)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane)
Steroid medications such as hydrocortisone and prednisone
Thioridazine (Mellaril)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The possibility of harm to a developing baby has not been ruled out.
You should take SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh
this potential risk. Notify your doctor as soon as you become pregnant
or decide to become pregnant.
It is not known whether SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) appears in breast milk, and breastfeeding
is not recommended.
Recommended dosage for SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel )
SCHIZOPHRENIA
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.
