Seroquel
QUETIAPINE - ORAL (kweh-TIE-ah-peen)
USES:
Seroquel is used for the treatment of certain mental conditions (e.g., schizophrenia).
HOW TO USE:
Seroquel is taken by mouth, generally twice or three times daily.
Dosage is based on age, mental condition and other diseases, and
is slowly increased as tolerated. It may take several weeks to notice
the full benefit of this drug. Continue to take it everyday as directed,
even if you are feeling better and thinking more clearly.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Unusually fast or slow heartbeat, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, stomach
pain or upset, weight gain or dry mouth may occur. If these persist or worsen,
notify your doctor. Report promptly any fainting episode. Unlikely but report
promptly any skin rash, itching or trouble breathing. Very unlikely but report
promptly any fever or persistent sore throat, muscle stiffness, confusion,
sweating, uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., tongue or facial muscles)
or one-sided muscle weakness, vision changes, cold sensitivity, trouble urinating,
black stool or unusual moods. To relieve dry mouth and protect teeth and
gums, you may suck on sugarless candy or use a saliva substitute or ice chips.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before using Seroquel, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including
any allergies (especially drug allergies), liver or heart disease, blood
vessel disease, very low blood pressure, seizure disOrder or brain cancer.
To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying
position, get up slowly. This is more likely to occur in the first few days
after starting or restarting the drug, or after dosage increases. Limit alcohol
intake as it may aggravate side effects. Caution is advised when performing
activities requiring mental alertness (e.g., driving). Seroquel might hinder
body temperature control. It is advised not to exercise strenuously, and
to avoid extreme heat while using Seroquel. Seroquel should be used only
when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with
your doctor. It is not known whether Seroquel is excreted into breast milk.
Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Seroquel
is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution when
Seroquel is used in the elderly.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may
use, especially "dopamine-like" drugs (e.g., dopamine, bromocriptine,
cabergoline), levodopa, anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital),
rifampin, rifabutin, drugs for high blood pressure, other antipsychotic drugs
(e.g., thioridazine), azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole),
erythromycin, thyroid medicine (e.g., thyroxine), drugs that can cause drowsiness,
such as narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), drugs for sleep, sedatives,
antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), muscle relaxants or some antihistamines/anticholinergics
(e.g., diphenhydramine, atropine). Antihistamines may be found in many cold-and-cough
medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, rapid pulse,
weakness, fatigue, and dizziness.
NOTES:
Do not share Seroquel with others. Certain medical tests will be performed
during treatment, such as eye exams.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time
of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees
C) away from light and moisture.
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