Seroquel (Quetiapine)

Information about Seroquel (Quetiapine)

Seroquel (Quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. It helps to balance certain chemicals in the brain, improving mood, thought processes, and behavior.

Product Highlights

• Used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
• Prescribed for the management of acute manic and depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, as well as for maintenance treatment.
• Often used as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder when other antidepressants alone are not effective.
• Occasionally used off-label to treat anxiety disorders. 

Key Ingredient

• Quetiapine

Key Benefits

• Quetiapine helps alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia, including positive symptoms (e.g., hallucinations) and negative symptoms (e.g., lack of emotion).
• It helps manage manic and depressive episodes in bipolar disorder and prevents recurrence of these episodes.
• As an add-on therapy for major depressive disorder, it can enhance the effects of other antidepressants.
• In some cases, Seroquel may help improve sleep quality, particularly for patients with conditions like anxiety or bipolar disorder.

Direction of Use

• Seroquel is taken orally, with or without food. The immediate-release form is typically taken once or twice daily, while the extended-release form is generally taken once daily at bedtime.
• The initial dose varies based on the condition being treated. For schizophrenia, the usual starting dose is 25 mg twice daily, with gradual increases. For bipolar disorder and depression, the dosage may vary based on the specific episode being treated. Always follow the doctor’s instructions for exact dosing.
• It is important to take Seroquel exactly as prescribed, without altering the dose or stopping abruptly without medical advice.

Safety Concerns

• One of the most common side effects is sedation or drowsiness, especially during the initial stages of treatment. It’s important not to drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Seroquel affects you.
• Quetiapine may cause weight gain, increased blood sugar, and cholesterol changes. Regular monitoring of weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels is recommended.
• Rarely, Seroquel can cause tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements) or extrapyramidal symptoms (such as tremors and stiffness).
• It can cause changes in heart rhythm (e.g., QT prolongation), so people with heart conditions should be monitored.
• Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis have an increased risk of death when treated with antipsychotics like Seroquel, and the drug is not approved for this condition. 
• In some cases, particularly in younger patients, there may be an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Close monitoring is necessary, especially during the initial phases of treatment.

Avoid Seroquel (Quetiapine) If

• Do not use Seroquel if you are allergic to quetiapine or any of the other ingredients in the medication.
• Seroquel should not be used in patients with severe liver impairment, as it can worsen liver function.
• Avoid use in individuals with a history of heart problems, including arrhythmias, hypotension, or QT interval prolongation, unless closely monitored.
• If you have a history of movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia, Seroquel should be avoided unless recommended by a healthcare provider.
• Seroquel should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary, and it passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding should be avoided unless advised by a doctor.