Quetiapine: Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Quetiapine is an antipsychotic medication used to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. It helps balance certain brain chemicals, improving mood, thinking, and behaviour. Available in various strengths like Quetiapine 25mg, Quetiapine 50mg, and Quetiapine 100mg, it is prescribed based on individual needs.

What Is Quetiapine?

Quetiapine is an antipsychotic medication that helps restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain. This medication can decrease hallucinations and improve concentration. It is commonly used as part of a treatment program for mental health conditions.

What Are the Uses of Quetiapine Tablets?

• Treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in children, teenagers, and adults.
• Improving mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels.
• Preventing severe mood swings or decreasing their frequency.
• Quetiapine fumarate tablet uses in preventing schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

What Conditions Quetiapine Tablet Treats

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder (manic and depressive episodes)
• Major depressive disorder (as an adjunct treatment)

Secondary Uses of Quetiapine

• Generalised anxiety disorder (off-label)
• Sleep disturbances (off-label)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (off-label)

How Does Quetiapine Work?

Quetiapine works by affecting the balance of certain chemicals in the brain, especially dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters influence mood, thoughts, and behaviour by blocking specific receptors.

Quetiapine helps to stabilise mood, reduce hallucinations, and improve thinking in mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It does not directly impact hormones but interacts with the nervous system to calm overactive brain signals.

Quetiapine Dosage

• Always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• Doses may start low (e.g Quetiapine 25mg) and gradually increase based on your response.
• It is usually taken once or twice daily, with or without food.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it's close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed one.
• Do not double the dose to catch up.

What Happens If an Overdose?

• Overdosing on quetiapine can cause extreme drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, or seizures.
• In severe cases, it may lead to unconsciousness or serious heart problems.
• Seek emergency medical help immediately if a Quetiapine overdosed.

Quetiapine Side Effects

Quetiapine side effects like drowsiness, weight gain, dizziness, and dry mouth occur due to its impact on brain chemicals (dopamine, serotonin, histamine), altering mood, sleep, and metabolism.

Common Side Effects:

• Loss of coordination
• Unusual dreams
• Missed menstrual periods
• Breast enlargement in males
• Discharge from the breasts
• Decreased sexual desire or ability
• Stuffy nose
• Headache
• Pain
• Irritability
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating
• Difficulty speaking or using language
• Dizziness
• Joint, back, neck, or ear pain
• Weakness
• Constipation
• Gas
• Stomach pain or swelling
• Increased appetite

Serious Side Effects:

• Muscle stiffness
• Pain or weakness
• Excessive sweating
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Confusion
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Uncontrollable movements of your arms, legs, tongue, face, or lips
• Painful erection of the penis that lasts for hours
• Fever
• Fainting
• Falling
• Seizures
• Changes in vision

If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Precautions

Before using Quetiapine, inform your doctor if you:

• Are allergic to Quetiapine or other medications.
• Have a history of eye cataracts, liver disease, low white blood cell count, epilepsy, difficulty swallowing, thyroid problems, intestinal blockage (constipation), ileus, diabetes, alcohol/drug addiction, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or difficulty urinating.

Possible Interactions with Other Medications (Drug Interactions)

Quetiapine can interact with several other medications, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing side effects. Common interactions include:

• Other sedatives or alcohol: May increase drowsiness or dizziness.
• Antibiotics or antifungals (e.g., erythromycin, ketoconazole): May affect how quetiapine is broken down in the body.
• Heart rhythm medications: Can increase the risk of irregular heartbeats.

Always inform your doctor about all medications, herbal products, or supplements you are taking, as natural remedies like St. John's Wort may also interfere with quetiapine's effectiveness.

How Should Quetiapine Be Stored?

• Store the tablets at room temperature, between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Keep the medicine in its original packaging to protect it from moisture and light.
• Ensure it is kept out of reach of children and pets.

What Happens If Quetiapine Is Not Stored Properly?

• Exposure to heat, moisture, or light can reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.
• Improper storage may cause the tablets to degrade or change color, making them unsafe to use.
• Always check the expiry date and discard any damaged or expired medication.

Quetiapine vs Risperidone

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