Drug Name

Seroquel (Quetiapine)

Drug Uses

Seroquel is used for treating schizophrenia. It is also used to treat acute manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder (manic-depression). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Seroquel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Seroquel by mouth with or without food.
• Taking Seroquel at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Take Seroquel on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
• It may take a few weeks for you to notice the benefits of Seroquel . Continue to take Seroquel even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Seroquel is an antipsychotic. It works by altering the balance of certain chemicals that occur naturally in the brain, which are responsible for thinking and behavior.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Seroquel , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Seroquel at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Seroquel out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Seroquel if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Seroquel.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
• Seroquel may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
• Seroquel may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.
• Lab tests, including eye exams, blood glucose, and blood pressure, may be performed while you use Seroquel . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Seroquel with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects. Especially, dizziness and lightheadedness upon sitting or standing up.
• Seroquel should not be used in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: if you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Seroquel while you are pregnant. It is not known if Seroquel is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Seroquel.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• agitation; back pain; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; indigestion; runny nose; sore throat; stomach pain; weakness; weight gain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); altered mental abilities, including lack of response to your surroundings; high blood sugar (eg, thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor); increased or irregular heartbeat; involuntary, uncontrolled muscle movements; lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position; muscle stiffness; sweating; tremor; unexplained fever; vision changes.

More Information

Seroquel is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.