Seroquel
Brand
name:Seroquel
Pronounced: SER-oh-kwell
Generic name: Quetiapine fumarate
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Why
is Seroquel prescribed?
Seroquel
combats the symptoms of schizophrenia, a mental disorder marked
by delusions, hallucinations, disrupted thinking, and loss of
contact with reality. It is the first in a new class of antipsychotic
medications. Researchers believe that it works by diminishing
the action of dopamine and serotonin, two of the brain's chief
chemical messengers.
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Most
important fact about Seroquel
Seroquel
may cause tardive dyskinesia--a condition characterized by uncontrollable
muscle spasms and twitches in the face and body. This problem
can be permanent, and appears to be most common among older
adults, especially women.
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How
should you take Seroquel?
Your
doctor will increase your dose gradually until the drug takes
effect. If you stop Seroquel for more than 1 week, you'll need
to build up to your ideal dosage once again.
--If
you miss a dose...
Take
it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
--Storage
instructions...
Store
at room temperature.
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What
side effects may occur?
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:
Abdominal pain, constipation, diminished movement, dizziness,
drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive muscle tone, headache, indigestion,
low blood pressure, nasal inflammation, neck rigidity, rapid
heartbeat, rash, tremor, uncontrollable movements, weakness
Less common side effects may include:
Back pain, cough, difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking,
ear pain, fever, flu, loss of appetite, palpitations, sore throat,
sweating, swelling, weight gain
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Rare
side effects may include:
Abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, abnormal vision, abnormal
gait, abnormal thinking, acne, alcohol intolerance, amnesia, arthritis,
asthma, bleeding gums, bone pain, bruising, chills, confusion,
conjunctivitis (pinkeye), dehydration, delusions, diabetes, difficulty
swallowing, dry eyes, ear ringing, eczema, eye pain, face swelling,
fungal infection, gas, gum inflammation, hallucinations, heavy
menstruation, hemorrhoids, impotence, increased appetite, increased
sex drive, increased salivation, irregular pulse, itching, jerky
or irregular movement, joint pain, lack of emotion, lack of coordination,
leg cramps, loss of menstruation, low blood sugar, manic reaction,
migraine, mouth sores, muscle weakness, neck pain, nosebleeds,
painful menstruation, painful urination, paralysis, paranoia,
pelvic pain, pneumonia, rash, rectal bleeding, seborrhea, sensitivity
to light, skin inflammation or ulcer, slow heart rate, stomach
and intestinal inflammation, stupor, swollen testicles, taste
disturbances, teeth grinding, thirst, tongue swelling, twitching,
uncontrollable bowel movements, underactive thyroid, urinary frequency
or incontinence, urinary retention, urinary tract infection, vaginal
bleeding, vaginal inflammation, vaginal yeast infection, vertigo,
weight loss
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Why
should Seroquel not be prescribed?
If
Seroquel gives you an allergic reaction, you will not be able
to use this drug.
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Special
warnings about Seroquel
If
you develop muscle stiffness, confusion, irregular or rapid
heartbeat, excessive sweating, and high fever call your doctor
immediately. These are signs of a serious--and potentially fatal--reaction
to the drug. Be especially wary if you have a history of heart
attack, heart disease, heart failure, circulation problems,
or irregular heartbeat.
Particularly
during the first few days of therapy, Seroquel can cause low
blood pressure, with accompanying dizziness, fainting, and rapid
heartbeat. To minimize these effects, your doctor will increase
your dose gradually. If you are prone to low blood pressure,
take blood pressure medication, or become dehydrated, use Seroquel
with caution.
Seroquel
also tends to cause drowsiness, especially at the start of therapy,
and can impair your judgment, thinking, and motor skills. Until
you are certain of the drug's effect, use caution when operating
machinery or driving a car.
If
you are having problems with your vision, tell your doctor. There
is a chance that Seroquel may cause cataracts, and you may be
asked to see an eye doctor when you start Seroquel therapy, and
every 6 months thereafter.
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Seroquel
poses a very slight risk of seizures, especially if you are
over 65, or have epilepsy or Alzheimer's disease. The drug can
also suppress an underactive thyroid, and generally causes a
minor increase in cholesterol levels. There is also a remote
chance that it will trigger a prolonged and painful erection.
Other
antipsychotic medications have been known to interfere with
the body's temperature-regulating mechanism, causing patients
to overheat. Although this problem has not occurred with Seroquel,
caution is still advisable. Avoid exposure to extreme heat,
strenuous exercise, and dehydration.
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Possible
food and drug interactions
Seroquel increases the effects of alcohol. Avoid alcoholic beverages
while on Seroquel therapy.
If
Seroquel is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important to check with your doctor before combining Seroquel
with the following:
Barbiturates
such as phenobarbital
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Levodopa (Laradopa, Sinemet)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane)
Steroid medications such as hydrocortisone and prednisone
Thioridazine (Mellaril)
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Special
information
The possibility of harm to a developing baby has not been ruled
out. You should take Seroquel during pregnancy only if the benefits
outweigh this potential risk. Notify your doctor as soon as
you become pregnant or decide to become pregnant.
It
is not known whether Seroquel appears in breast milk, and breastfeeding
is not recommended.
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Recommended
dosage
ADULTS
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On the first day of therapy, you'll take 2 doses of 25 milligrams
each. On the second and third day, doses are usually increased
by 25 to 50 milligrams apiece. Frequency may be increased to
3 times daily.
Long-term, the usual dosage is 300 to 400 milligrams a day,
taken as 2 or 3 smaller doses. Doses as low as 150 milligrams
a day sometimes prove effective, and daily dosage rarely exceeds
750 milligrams. Doses of 800 milligrams or more per day have
not been tested for safety.
Dosage
is increased more gradually--and is maintained at a lower level--for
older adults, those with liver disease, those prone to low blood
pressure reactions, and the debilitated.
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Overdosage
Any
medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If
you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.
Symptoms
of Seroquel overdose may include:
Dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, rapid heartbeat
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