Drugs & Vitamins

Quetiapine Active Ingredients: Quetiapine Representative Names: Seroquel Available Product Images: What are quetiapine tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with quetiapine? What side effects may I notice from taking quetiapine? What should I watch for while taking quetiapine? Where can I keep my medicine? What are quetiapine tablets? (Back to top) QUETIAPINE (Seroquel®) helps to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression. Quetiapine can help you to keep in touch with reality, stabilize the mood, and reduce your mental problems. Generic quetiapine tablets are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •an alcohol abuse problem •brain tumor or head injury •breast cancer •cataracts •diabetes (increased blood sugar) or a family history of diabetes •difficulty swallowing •heart disease •kidney disease •liver disease •low blood pressure (hypotension) or dizziness when standing up •Parkinson's disease •previous heart attack •seizures (convulsions) •thyroid problems •an unusual or allergic reaction to quetiapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take quetiapine tablets by mouth with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If quetiapine upsets your stomach you can take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Patients over age 65 years may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with quetiapine? (Back to top) •alcohol •antifungal medicines, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or voriconazole •barbiturates •carbamazepine •cimetidine •erythromycin •levodopa •lorazepam •medicines for diabetes •medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances •oxcarbazepine •phenobarbital •phenytoin •rifampin •thioridazine Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking quetiapine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Rare or uncommon: •difficulty swallowing •fainting spells •inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs •increased thirst or hunger •increased need to pass urine •loss of balance or difficulty walking •restlessness or need to keep moving •seizures •severe weakness •sexual difficulties •skin rash •stiff muscles •unusual behavior, worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying •vomiting More common: •dizziness or lightheadedness •fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •constipation •drowsiness or dizziness •dry mouth •nausea •runny nose •stomach pain •unusual tiredness •weight gain What should I watch for while taking quetiapine? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of quetiapine. Do not suddenly stop taking quetiapine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Only stop taking quetiapine on your prescriber's advice. Your health care provider may suggest that you have your eyes examined prior to starting quetiapine, and every 6 months thereafter. You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how quetiapine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks. If you notice an increased hunger or thirst, different from your normal hunger or thirst, or if you find that you must frequently use the restroom (excessive urination), you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible. You may need to have your blood sugar monitored. Do not treat yourself for colds, diarrhea or allergies. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice, some nonprescription medicines may increase possible side effects. The use of medicines that treat depression can sometimes increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions in children and teenagers. Pay special attention to how your child is responding while on this medicine, especially sudden changes in thoughts or actions. Any unusual behavior, worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying your child has should be reported to their health care professional right away. If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking quetiapine. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 20 degrees and 25 degrees C (68 degrees and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:04/08/2007 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.