Seroquel (Quetiapine)

Seroquel is used for treating schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Use Seroquel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Seroquel by mouth with or without food.
• Taking Seroquel at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Take Seroquel on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
• It may take a few weeks for you to notice the benefits of Seroquel . Continue to take Seroquel even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Seroquel is an antipsychotic. It works by altering the balance of certain chemicals that occur naturally in the brain, which are responsible for thinking and behavior.

If you miss a dose of Seroquel , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store Seroquel at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Seroquel out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Do not use Seroquel if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Seroquel.

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression), suicidal thoughts or attempts, mental or mood problems, or diabetes
• if you drink alcohol or have a history of alcohol or substance abuse
• if you have Alzheimer disease, dementia, or trouble swallowing, or you are very overweight
• if you have a history of heart problems (eg, heart attack, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), stroke, blood vessel problems, high blood cholesterol levels, or high or low blood pressure
• if you have history of blood problems (eg, low white blood cells), liver problems, thyroid problems, cataracts, narrow-angle glaucoma, seizures, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), high blood prolactin levels, or breast cancer

• Alpha-blockers (eg, doxazosin) or medicine for high blood pressure because the risk of low blood pressure and fainting may be increased
• Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), fluvoxamine, macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin), or telithromycin because they may increase the risk of Seroquel 's side effects
• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), phenytoin, rifampin, or thioridazine because they may decrease Seroquel 's effectiveness
• Dopamine receptor agonists (eg, pramipexole) or levodopa because their effectiveness may be decreased by Seroquel

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• agitation; back pain; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; indigestion; runny nose; sore throat; stomach pain; weakness; weight gain.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); altered mental abilities, including lack of response to your surroundings; high blood sugar (eg, thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor); increased or irregular heartbeat; involuntary, uncontrolled muscle movements; lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position; muscle stiffness; sweating; tremor; unexplained fever; vision changes.

Seroquel is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.