general
- Generic Name : Quetiapine
- Pronunciation : kwe tye’ a peen
- Trade Names/Brand Names of Quetiapine
- India : Quel-SR (300mg),Seroquin (100 mg),Adequet (100mg),Q -Win,Qutipin (200 mg),Quser (50mg),Quticool (50 mg),Qutace (200mg),Quetic (100mg),Qutace (25mg),Seroquin (50mg),Queine (50mg),Qutan (300 mg),Quticool,Qutace,Q Pin (100mg),Seroquin (200mg),Quser (100mg),Qutan (50 mg),Placidin,Quel (100mg),Quetimax (200mg),Quticool (25 mg),Sizoquit (100 mg),Sizoquit (200mg),Qutan (200 mg),Q Pin SR(200 mg),Psyquit (50 mg),Socalm (200 mg),Quel (200 mg)
- International : Seroquel
prescription
This medication is classified as an atypical antipsychotic and is prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a disorder characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or sensing things that are not real), delusional beliefs and thoughts, and difficulties in interpersonal interactions. Additionally, this medication is utilized to regulate the heightened and depressive moods associated with bipolar disorder. Its mechanism of action involves altering the activity of specific natural substances in the brain.
risk factors
This medication is contraindicated in patients with severe central nervous system depression, bone marrow suppression, coma, and hypersensitivity.
side effects
- Central Nervous System: Headache, generalized weakness, drowsiness, restlessness, dizziness, fatigue, tremor, abnormal movements, and the potential for suicidal tendencies.
- Gastrointestinal: Dry mouth, constipation, impaired digestion, abdominal pain.
- Metabolic: Weight gain, elevations in serum transaminase levels, increased appetite, peripheral edema, and an increase in blood glucose.
- Heart: Increased heart rate, palpitations, postural and orthostatic hypotension.
- Eye and ENT: Nasal congestion, blurred vision.
- Skin: Sweating, skin rash, eruption.
- Respiratory: Upper respiratory tract infection, cough, difficulty breathing.
- Blood: Reduction in white blood cells.
- Miscellaneous: Fever, decrease in thyroid hormone levels, flu syndrome, increase in blood cholesterol.
dosage
For adults, the recommended oral (PO) dosage is an initial starting dose of 25 to 50 mg twice a day. This dosage may be increased, if necessary, up to a maximum of 750 to 800 mg per day.
how to take
It is available in tablet form to be taken orally, either 1 to 3 times a day, or as an extended-release tablet taken once a day. The medication can be taken with or without food.
warning
- There is a potential for an increase in blood sugar levels while taking this medication, even in individuals without diabetes. Regular monitoring of sugar levels is advised, especially in diabetics. Be vigilant for signs of clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.
- Exercise caution in individuals with a history of seizures, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or involuntary movements. Use with care during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- This medication may have the potential to cause kidney or liver damage.
- Gradual withdrawal from the medication is recommended.
- Be aware that it may impede your body’s ability to cool down in high temperatures. While on this medication, avoid excessive exercise, stay indoors as much as possible, dress lightly in hot weather, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and maintain adequate fluid intake.
- This medication may induce dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, especially upon quickly changing from a lying position to an upright one. Rise slowly from a lying position.