Seroquel: Overview

Seroquel (quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat several psychiatric and mood disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. It helps restore the brain's chemical balance, managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

  • Brand Names: Seroquel, among others
  • Uses: Treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder
  • Medicover Call Center Number: 04068334455

Seroquel Uses

Seroquel is prescribed for:

  • Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 13 and up
  • Bipolar disorder, including manic episodes and depression associated with bipolar disorder
  • Major depressive disorder as an adjunct treatment

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This medication helps:

  • Reduce hallucinations
  • Improve concentration and mood
  • Decrease anxiety
  • Stabilize mood swings
  • Enhance sleep, appetite, and energy levels

How to Take Seroquel

  • Administration: Oral, with or without food
  • Frequency: 2 or 3 times daily; for bipolar depression, usually once a day at bedtime
  • Dosage: Determined by medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications being taken
  • Note: Start with a low dose and gradually increase as directed by your doctor

Important Guidelines

  • Consistency: Take the medication regularly to gain the most benefit.
  • Adjustment: Do not increase dosage or take more frequently than prescribed.
  • Continuation: Even if feeling well, do not stop the medication abruptly. Consult your doctor first.
  • Withdrawal: Gradual reduction may be necessary to avoid withdrawal symptoms (e.g., sleep issues, nausea, irritability).

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

  • Mood or behavior changes
  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting
  • Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness
  • Headache
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Dry mouth, sore throat
  • Breast swelling or discharge missed menstrual periods
  • Increased appetite, weight gain

Precautions

Before taking Seroquel, inform your doctor if you have:

  • Allergies to quetiapine or other medications
  • Eye conditions (e.g., cataracts)
  • Liver disease
  • Low white blood cell count
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Seizure disorders
  • Thyroid issues
  • Gastrointestinal blockages

Special Considerations

  • Dizziness/Drowsiness: Avoid alcohol and cannabis. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are certain of the drug's effects.
  • QT Prolongation: Seroquel may cause heart rhythm problems. Monitor heart health and report any irregularities.
  • Children: Increased risk of blood pressure elevation and increased prolactin levels.
  • Elderly: Increased risk of severe side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

  • Pregnancy: Use only if needed. Monitor newborns for symptoms if taken during the last three months of pregnancy.
  • Breastfeeding: The drug may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Seroquel can interact with various medications, including:

  • QT prolongation inducers (e.g., amiodarone, moxifloxacin)
  • Azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole)
  • Rifamycins (e.g., rifampin)
  • Seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin)
  • Over-the-counter allergy and cold medications

Overdose and Missed Dose

  • Overdose: Seek emergency medical attention if overdose symptoms occur (e.g., passing out, breathing problems).
  • Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered, but skip if close to the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose.

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Storage

  • Store at room temperature, away from sunlight and moisture.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • Properly dispose of unused or expired medication.

Seroquel vs. Zyprexa

Seroquel (Quetiapine) Zyprexa (Olanzapine)
Treats schizophrenia, mania, and depression Treats psychosis, mania, and anxiety
Moderate to high risk of weight gain, elevated cholesterol, or blood sugar High risk of weight gain, increased cholesterol or blood sugar
Helps with psychotic symptoms and mood stabilization Effective for psychosis, mania, and anxiety, but more likely to induce weight gain and sleepiness

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Seroquel prescribed?

This medicine is used to treat a number of psychiatric and mood disorders (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, sudden episodes of mania, or depression associated with bipolar disorder). Seroquel is an antipsychotic medicine (atypical type).

2. Is Seroquel a good sleep aid?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Seroquel for the treatment of insomnia. It is, however, often administered off-label as a short-term sleep aid due to its sedative effects.

3. What does Seroquel do?

Seroquel is an antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children aged 13 and up. Seroquel is an antipsychotic drug used to treat bipolar disorder (manic depression) in adults and children aged 10 and up. Seroquel is also used to manage major depressive disorder in adults when paired with antidepressant medication.

4. Does Seroquel treat anxiety?

Two recent studies indicate that the antipsychotic medication Seroquel can aid in the treatment of major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Seroquel has also obtained FDA approval for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness).

5. Why is Seroquel so sedating?

Seroquel is a second-generation antipsychotic that also activates the H1 and 2A histamine receptors. Its sedative effects are believed to be due to this, which is why it's used off-label for insomnia.

6. Can Seroquel make you sleep all day?

One of the most common side effects of Seroquel (generic name Seroquel) is that it makes people sleepy. Many physicians prescribe it as a sleeping pill for this purpose, and sometimes at the same dosage as you do — 50 mg.

7. Who should not take Seroquel?

Seroquel, like other related drugs, can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in young adults, with the risk being greater in those under the age of 25. Seroquel’s extended-release should not be granted to those under the age of eighteen.

8. What does Seroquel do to the brain?

Seroquel is a schizophrenia drug that acts in the brain. It's also known as an atypical antipsychotic or a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA). Seroquel enhances thought, mood, and actions by rebalancing dopamine and serotonin.

9. Is Seroquel a mood stabilizer?

The evidence for Seroquel qualifies it as a bimodal mood stabilizer based on its proven efficacy in the treatment of bipolar mania and depression, according to a liberal concept.

10. Is Seroquel used for sleep?

Insomnia is treated with Seroquel (quetiapine) and Ambien (zolpidem). Ambien is primarily used to treat insomnia, while Seroquel is used to treat insomnia off-label.


Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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