Seroquel
Drug Info
Seroquel
Drug Uses: Seroquel is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. Antipsychotic medicines are used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia that may include hearing voices, seeing things, or sensing things that are not there, mistaken beliefs or unusual suspiciousness. Seroquel may be used alone or with lithium or divalproex to treat acute manic episodes in adults who have a condition called Bipolar I disorder. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings.
How to Use Seroquel
: Take Seroquel exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from Seroquel. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Do not take Seroquel for longer than 6 weeks unless your doctor has told you to.
To be sure Seroquel is helping your condition, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments. Store Seroquel tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Seroquel
Precautions: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: Alzheimer's disease, low blood pressure, disease of the blood vessels in the brain (e.g., stroke), blood disorders (e.g., leukopenia, neutropenia), a severe loss of body water (dehydration), certain eye problems (cataracts), liver disease, seizures, trouble swallowing, thyroid problems. Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you or a family member has a history of the following: alcohol/drug abuse, diabetes, heart disease (e.g., ischemic heart disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems), high blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, obesity. Get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position to avoid dizziness and lightheadedness. This is more likely to occur in the first few days after starting/restarting the drug or after your dose increases. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. This drug may also cause significant weight gain and a rise in your blood cholesterol (or triglyceride) levels. These effects may increase your risk for developing heart disease, especially if you also have diabetes. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor.
Seroquel
Drug Interactions: Constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, stomach pain/upset, tiredness, weight gain, nasal congestion, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, unusually fast/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes (e.g., increased anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts), difficulty swallowing, weakness. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: seizures, vision changes. Quetiapine may rarely cause a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, this condition may be permanent. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any unusual/uncontrolled movements (especially of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, arms or legs). For males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection (lasting more than 4 hours), stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.
Seroquel
Possible 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 Seroquel
.
- More common side effects may include:
Back pain, diarrhea, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, joint infection, upper respiratory infection
Seroquel
, like all oral diabetes drugs, can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This risk is increased by missed meals, alcohol, other diabetes medications, and excessive exercise. Hypoglycemia is more likely in older or malnourished people and those with poorly functioning adrenal or pituitary glands. To avoid low blood sugar, take Seroquel
only at meals and closely follow the dietary and exercise regimen suggested by your doctor.
Seroquel
Overdose: Seek emergency medical attention immediately if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of Seroquel
overdose include: dizziness or drowsiness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, facial flushing, fast heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.
Seroquel
Storage: Store Seroquel
at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Avoid excessive heat. Avoid freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispense of this medicine in a tight, light-resistant container. Do not store Seroquel
in the bathroom.
Seroquel
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Disclaimer: The information found on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not cover all possible uses, procedures, safety measures, side effects, or drug interactions of the products. We are not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of this drug information, or any consequences arising from the use of this information. This is only general information and should not be relied on for any purpose. |
