Other names: SeroquelXR, Ketipinor

Quetiapine (Seroquel, SeroquelXR, Ketipinor) is used to treat psychotic disorders and symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and hostility. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses so ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

 

Quetiapine comes as a tablet to take by mouth usually taken two or three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take quetiapine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

 

Quetiapine (Seroquel, SeroquelXR, Ketipinor) controls the symptoms of a psychotic disorder but does not cure it. Continue to take quetiapine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking quetiapine without talking to your doctor as they will probably want to decrease your dose gradually. 

 

 

 

- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to quetiapine or any other drugs.

 

- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking especially amantadine (Symadine, Symmetrel), barbiturates, bromocriptine (Parlodel), carbamazapine (Tegretol), cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), erythromycin, fluconazole (Diflucan), glucocorticoids (cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), levodopa (Larodopa, Dopar, Sinemet), lorazepam (Ativan), medications for high blood pressure, pergolide (Permax), phenobarbital (Luminal), phenytoin (Dilantin), pramipexole (Mirapex), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), selegiline (Eldepryl), thioridazine (Mellaril), and vitamins.

 

- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had Alzheimer's disease, seizures or heart or liver disease.

 

- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking quetiapine call your doctor.

- if you are having surgery including dental surgery tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking quetiapine.

- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how quetiapine will affect you.

- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

- you should avoid activities that will cause your body to overheat or become dehydrated.

- you should get up slowly when sitting or lying down. Standing quickly may cause you to become dizzy or faint.

 

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. 

 

 

Although side effects from quetiapine are not common they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

dizziness

lightheadedness

dry mouth

constipation

upset stomach

stomach pain

headache

tiredness

excessive weight gain

runny nose

rash

ear pain

flu symptoms

swollen ankles

blurred vision

 

fainting

seizures

increased body temperature (fever), muscle stiffness, difficulty thinking clearly, fast or irregular heartbeat

muscle spasms, fine worm like tongue movements, tremors, shuffling walk, inability to sit still, jerky movements

 

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

 

In case of overdose call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing call local emergency services. 

 

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to quetiapine. Do not let anyone else take your medication.