Seroquel: Uses, Dosage and Side Effect | Is it suitable for your health?

If you want to get detailed information about Seroquel, then definitely read this article completely. Through this article, we have given you the use, dosage and side effects of Seroquel along with many other important information.

What is Seroquel?

Seroquel is a brand name for the drug quetiapine, which is an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat various internal health conditions. It works by affecting the situations of certain chemicals in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin, which are involved in regulating mood, behavior, and thought processes.

Seroquel is primarily used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder( as an add- on treatment). It may also be used off- label to treat other internal health conditions, similar as anxiety and insomnia.

Seroquel Generic Name

The generic name for Seroquel is quetiapine.

Seroquel Other Name

Seroquel is the brand name for the medication quetiapine. Quetiapine is also marketed under the brand name of Ketipinor in some countries.

Seroquel Knowledge Table

Property	Details
Brand Name	Seroquel
Generic Name	Quetiapine Fumarate
Drug Class	Atypical Antipsychotic
FDA Approved Uses	Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder (Manic and Depressive Episodes), Major Depressive Disorder (Adjunctive treatment), Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Off-Label Uses	Insomnia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder
Dosage Forms	Tablets, Extended-Release Tablets
Dosage Strengths	Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, Extended-Release Tablets: 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg
Administration	Orally, with or without food
Half-Life	6 hours
Mechanism of Action	Blocks the binding of dopamine and serotonin to their respective receptors in the brain
Common Side Effects	Drowsiness, Dizziness, Dry Mouth, Constipation, Weight Gain
Serious Side Effects	Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, Tardive Dyskinesia, Seizures, Stroke
Drug Interactions	CNS Depressants, QT Prolonging Agents, CYP3A4 Inhibitors, CYP3A4 Inducers
Pregnancy Category	C
Legal Status	Prescription Only
Manufacturer	AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

Uses for Seroquel

Seroquel( quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic drug that’s used to treat several internal health conditions. Here are the main uses of Seroquel:

1. Schizophrenia

Seroquel is approved to treat schizophrenia, a severe internal illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.

2. Bipolar disorder

Seroquel is used to treat manic occurrences associated with bipolar disorder, a internal health condition that causes extreme mood swings.

3. Major depressive disorder( MDD)

Seroquel is used as an add- on treatment for MDD, a mood disorder that causes patient passions of sadness and loss of interest.

4. Generalized anxiety disorder( GAD)

Seroquel is occasionally used off- label to treat GAD, a condition characterized by inordinate and willful solicitude.

5. Insomnia

Seroquel may be used off- label to treat insomnia, a sleep disorder that causes difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

It’s important to note that Seroquel isn’t approved for use in children under the age of 10 and is also not recommended for senior patients with madness- related psychosis due to an increased threat of death.

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Who should not take Seroquel?

Seroquel( quetiapine) isn’t suitable for everyone. Here are some people who shouldn’t take Seroquel:

1. Antipathetic reaction

If you’re antipathetic to quetiapine or any of the ingredients in Seroquel, you shouldn’t take it.

2. Elderly cases with dementia

Seroquel isn’t approved for use in senior cases with dementia- related psychosis as it may increase the threat of death.

3. Children under the age of 10

Seroquel isn’t approved for use in children under the age of 10.

4. Patients with a history of certain medical conditions

Seroquel should be used with caution or avoided in patients with a history of liver or order complaint, seizures, low white blood cell counts, and heart conditions.

5. Patients taking certain medications

Seroquel may interact with other medications, similar as antidepressants, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications, and should be used with caution or avoided in similar cases.

It’s important to consult with your doctor about whether Seroquel is safe for you based on your medical history and current medications.

Drugs not to take with Seroquel

Seroquel (quetiapine) can interact with other drugs, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the drugs, supplements, or herbal products you’re taking.

Here are some drugs that should not be taken with Seroquel:

1. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Taking Seroquel with MAOIs may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a severe and potentially life-threatening condition.
2. Ketoconazole and other CYP3A4 inhibitors: These medications can increase the levels of Seroquel in your body, leading to side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and low blood pressure.
3. Barbiturates: Barbiturates can reduce the effectiveness of Seroquel, leading to worsening of your condition.
4. Antihypertensive medications: Seroquel can lower blood pressure, and taking it with antihypertensive medications can increase the risk of low blood pressure.
5. Drugs that affect the central nervous system: Seroquel can enhance the effects of other drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines and opioids, leading to increased drowsiness and respiratory depression.

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Seroquel Dosage

Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage. Here are general dosage recommendations for some of the most common conditions treated with Seroquel:

1. Schizophrenia: The recommended starting dose for schizophrenia is 25 mg twice daily, gradually increasing to a target dose of 300-400 mg per day. In some cases, doses up to 800 mg per day may be used.
2. Bipolar disorder: The starting dose for acute manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder is 50 mg twice daily, increasing to a target dose of 200-300 mg per day. For maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder, the usual dose range is 200-800 mg per day.
3. Major depressive disorder (MDD): Seroquel is usually taken as an add-on treatment to antidepressants for MDD. The starting dose is typically 50 mg per day, increasing to a target dose of 150-300 mg per day.
4. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Seroquel is not approved for the treatment of GAD, but doses ranging from 50-300 mg per day have been used off-label.

It is important to note that the maximum recommended dosage of Seroquel for adults is 800 mg per day. Never change your dose or stop taking Seroquel without first consulting your doctor.

Seroquel Pill

Seroquel (generic name quetiapine) pills come in different strengths, colors, and shapes depending on the dose and manufacturer. Here are some common characteristics of Seroquel pills:

1. Strength: Seroquel pills come in different strengths, including Seroquel 25 mg, Seroquel 50 mg, Seroquel 100 mg, Seroquel 200 mg, Seroquel 300 mg, and Seroquel 400 mg.
2. Color: Seroquel pills may be white, yellow, or peach-colored, depending on the strength and manufacturer.
3. Shape: Seroquel pills are usually round or oval-shaped, but they may also be rectangular or oblong-shaped, depending on the strength and manufacturer.
4. Imprints: Seroquel pills may have imprints on them to indicate the strength and manufacturer. For example, a 25 mg Seroquel pill may have “25” on one side and “Q” on the other side.

It is important to note that Seroquel tablets should be taken only as prescribed by the doctor. They should not be crushed, chewed or broken, as this can affect the way the medicine is absorbed by the body.

Seroquel Overdose Symptoms

Taking too much Seroquel can lead to an overdose, which can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. The following are some of the symptoms of Seroquel overdose.

1. Drowsiness or sedation
2. Confusion or disorientation
3. Agitation or restlessness
4. Rapid heart rate or irregular heartbeat
5. Low blood pressure
6. Difficulty breathing
7. Seizures
8. Unconsciousness

If you have taken too much Seroquel, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

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Seroquel Side Effect

Like any medicine, Seroquel also has some side effects, which can vary in severity and frequency depending on the individual.

The most common side effects of Seroquel include:

1. Drowsiness
2. Dizziness
3. Dry mouth
4. Constipation
5. Weight gain
6. Headache
7. Blurred vision
8. Rapid heartbeat
9. Low blood pressure
10. Increased appetite
11. Nausea and vomiting
12. Restlessness or agitation
13. Muscle stiffness or weakness
14. Insomnia

Less common but more serious side effects of Seroquel include:

1. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, confusion, and other symptoms.
2. Tardive dyskinesia, a condition characterized by uncontrollable movements of the face and body.
3. High blood sugar or diabetes.
4. Low white blood cell count, which can increase the risk of infection.
5. Seizures.
6. Suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects after taking Seroquel.

Seroquel Withdrawal Symptoms

If you stop taking Seroquel suddenly or reduce your dose too quickly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. The following are some common withdrawal symptoms of Seroquel:

1. Insomnia and difficulty sleeping
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Headaches
4. Dizziness and lightheadedness
5. Irritability and agitation
6. Anxiety and panic attacks
7. Sweating and chills
8. Restlessness
9. Muscle stiffness and pain
10. Fatigue and weakness

In addition to these common withdrawal symptoms, Seroquel withdrawal can also cause more serious symptoms, such as:

1. Delirium and hallucinations
2. Seizures
3. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
4. High fever and rapid heart rate
5. Elevated blood pressure
6. Severe abdominal pain and diarrhea

If you experience any withdrawal symptoms after stopping Seroquel or reducing your dose, let your doctor know as soon as possible. It is important not to stop taking Seroquel suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may increase the risk of withdrawal symptoms and other health complications.

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Conclusion

We hope that till now you have got all the important information about Seroquel and through this article your knowledge about medicines has increased. Apart from this, if you want to get information about any other medicine, then you can get it by visiting the Home Page of our website.

FAQ: Related to Seroquel

Note – Please note that all the information given in this article is given for the purpose of education. Before using this medicine in any way, you must consult a qualified doctor.