Drug name
Seroquel (Quetiapine)
Drug Uses
Seroquel helps to treat bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Sometimes it may be taken for some other conditions as directed by your doctor.
How Taken
Take the medication as determined by your doctor. Read the medicine label for precise dosing instructions carefully. As a rule, Seroquel is taken by mouth with food or without it. In case you have a stomach upset, it should be taken with food for reducing the irritation of stomach. Use the drug with a glass of water following the directions of your doctor. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Contact your health care provider in case you have some questions about using this medication.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Being an antipsychotic, Seroquel alters the balance of some brain chemicals which response for behavior and thinking.
Missed Dose
Take Seroquel as determined by your doctor. If you omit a dose of Seroquel, take it immediately. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up. Then go back to your usual schedule.
Storage
Keep this medication at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). products_description-term keeping between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) is allowed as well. Keep Seroquel in a hermetic and light-resistant container. Store it away from light, heat and moisture. Save the remedy beyond the reach of children and pets.
Warnings Precautions
You must not use this medicine if:
you have allergies to its ingredients.
Contact your health care provider/doctor immediately in case some of these apply to you.
Sometimes certain medical conditions interact with Seroquel. Tell your pharmacist or doctor in case you have the following medical conditions:
if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
if you are breast-feeding;
if you are currently using some herbal preparation, certain dietary supplement
or prescription/nonprescription medicine;
if you are allergic to some substances (medicines, foods etc.);
if you/your family member have or have had manic depression or mood/mental problems;
if you/your family member suffer from diabetes;
if you depend on alcohol;
if you have dementia, Alzheimer disease, trouble swallowing;
if you are overweight;
if you have a history of heart or blood vessel problems;
if you have high levels of cholesterol, abnormal blood pressure;
if you have/have had problems with blood or liver;
if you have convulsions, NMS (neuroleptic malignant syndrome), high levels of prolactin, breast cancer, thyroid problems, eye problems.
There are some medications interacting with Seroquel. Inform your health care provider in case you are currently taking any other medicines, especially the following ones:
Alpha-inhibitors, medicines for high blood increase the danger of fainting and/or low blood.
Macrolide antibiotics, telithromycin, azole antifungals, fluvoxamine, may increase the risk of side effects of Seroquel.
Effecctiveness of levodopa or dopamine receptor agonists may be lowered by Seroquel.
Corticosteroids, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, rifampin or thioridazine may lower positive effects of Seroquel.
Possible Side Effects
Medicines may provoke certain side effects. Nevertherless, many people have no/ minor side effects. Contact your doctor if any of these side effects take place:
Severe headache; indigestion; flu-like symptoms; stomach pain; weakness; rapid gain of weight; irritation; back pain; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness.
In case you feel some other effects, contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
Ask for medical attention immediately in case any of these serious side effects take place:
serious allergic reactions (chest tightness; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; rash; hives; difficulty breathing); mental problems; lightheadedness; stiff muscles; sweating; fever; vision problems; high levels of blood sugar; irregular heartbeat; uncontrolled movements of muscles.
More Information
Seroquel should be taken only by those patients for whom it is prescribed. You should not give it to others.
If your symptoms become worse and do not improve, contact your doctor.
Contact your health care provider in case you have some questions about using Seroquel.