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quetiapine

This medicine is used in the treatment of schizophrenia (mental disorder in which people interpret reality differently), bipolar disorder (mental illness characterized by extreme shifts in mood), and adjunctive treatment of major depression.

Contradications

This medicine is contraindicated in patients suffering from breast cancer, low thyroid hormone levels, diabetes (raised blood sugar level), high prolactin level, excessive fat in blood, low amount of magnesium and potassium in blood, dehydration, overweight, anemia (lack of red blood cells), very low count of granulocytes (a type of white blood cell), confusion, suicidal thoughts, muscle rigidity and confusion, high blood pressure, heart attack, chronic (long term) heart failure, constipation (difficulty in passing stool), liver disorders, weakened patient, weight gain, and abnormal muscle movements.

Side effects

Patients administered with this medicine may experience somnolence (increased sleep), dizziness (feeling like sleeping), constipation (difficulty in passing stool), postural hypotension (drop in blood pressure on changing posture), dry mouth, liver enzyme abnormalities, weight gain, thyroid hormone changes, increased appetite, hyperglycemia (raised blood sugar level), sleep disturbances, headache, tachycardia (increased heart rate), palpitations (sensation that your heart has skipped a beat), blurred vision, gastrointestinal upset, peripheral edema (swelling of hands and feet), and pyrexia (fever).

Expert Advice

Take with or without meals. To prevent gastrointestinal discomfort, take with meals.
Do not stop taking medication abruptly, gradually lower the dose and then stop.
Contact prescriber if there is difficulty in breathing, increased sleepiness, agitation (irritation), lack of sleep, change in vision, or worsening of condition.
Take sufficient amount of fluids to maintain hydration.

FAQs

What are the uses of Quetiapine?

This medication is used for treating disorders associated with mood and mental changes such as schizophrenia (mental disorder characterized by abnormal interpretation of reality), bipolar personality disorder, and episodes of depression associated with mental disorders. It can help elevate mood and concentrate. It may also help improve sleep patterns and be more active in everyday life.

How to store Quetiapine?

Please store this medicine at room temperature (20-25 Celsius). Keep medicine away from excessive light, moisture, and children. Please do not flush medicines down the toilet. Please read the leaflet provided with the medicine for further storage guidance.

Does this medicine have a lot of side effects?

This medicine does not have serious significant side effects if used according to the dose prescribed by your doctor. But make sure you do not abuse or over use the medicine. For further guidance, consult your healthcare provider.

Will I have conscious control of my actions/behavior if I use this medicine?

Yes, you will have conscious control of your actions. In case of misuse or abuse of medicine, you may lose conscious control of your actions.

Will this medicine help lessen depression?

This medicine is most likely to help lessen depression. But in some cases (for example, severe depression) it is best to seek out professional help. Please note misuse or medicine abuse is highly discouraged.

What are the precautions for taking Quetiapine?

• Patients with low white blood cell count must be cautious • Patients with swallowing problems must be cautious • Patients with breathing problems during sleep must be cautious • Patients with drug abuse history must be cautious • Avoid doing work that requires alertness such as driving immediately after taking this medicine as it may cause drowsiness

Does Quetiapine have any effect on pregnancy and lactation?

This medicine should only be used during pregnancy if no safer alternate is available. Consult your healthcare provider before use of this medicine. This medicine passes into breast-milk and may have undesirable effects on the nursing infant therefore use of this medicine is discouraged. Consult your health care provider before use of this medicine.