Seroquel is an antipsychotic medicine used to treat schizophrenia in patients above the age of 13 years. It also helps in treating bipolar disorder or manic depression in adults and children of at least 10 years of age. The drug is also used along with other antidepressant medications to treat major depressive disorders in adult patients. Seroquel helps in improving the concentration and decreasing hallucinations in patients. It allows patients to think quickly and positively. Patients using this drug regain their confidence and start active participation in life. The drug is very effective in controlling severe mood swings. Seroquel has been approved in many countries and has become popular for the treatment of Schizophrenia.

Patients are advised to follow the doctor prescribed dosage and usage instructions to have best effect of the medication. This medication should never be taken in larger amounts or longer than recommended. This is to avoid serious side effects of the medication. The following usage instructions should be kept in mind while taking Quetiapine:

• Seroquel must be taken by mouth as directed by the doctor.
• This drug is usually started at a low dose and is gradually increased over the period of time under the supervision of their doctor.
• Seroquel tablets should be swallowed whole. It should not be break, crushed or chewed.
• Seroquel can be taken with or without food.
• Patients must not suddenly stop taking Seroquel or change its dosage on their own.

Seroquel Dosage

Quetiapine dosage depends upon the patient’s age, medical conditions, severity of the problem and the condition for which it is being prescribed. Quetiapine dosages for different problems are discussed below: Schizophrenia – Initial prescribed dose of Seroquel is 25 mg of tablet taken twice in a day. It can be increased to 300-400 mg in a day if required. Depression – Starting prescribed dosage of Quetiapine for the treatment of major depression is 50 mg of tablet once in a day. This dose can be increased to 150 mg after two days. Bipolar Disorder – Initial Seroquel dose for bipolar disorder is 50 mg tablet taken twice in a day. This can be increased to 400 mg in a day.

Missed and Overdose of Seroquel

If a dose has been missed, patients can take it as soon as they remember. If it is time for the next dose, then they should skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Doubling the dose is not recommended.

Overdose of the drug can cause adverse effects on the health. Thus, anyone who has taken the overdose of the drug should be provided with the immediate medical attention. Some of the symptoms of overdose include fast heart rate, dizziness or feeling drowsy.

Quetiapine Storage

It is important to properly store Quetiapine in order to maintain its efficacy and quality. The ideal temperature for storing this drug is 20°C to 25°C. The drug should be kept away from light and moisture and should be inaccessible to pets and children.

These warnings should be kept in mind while using the drug.

• Intake of alcohol should be strictly avoided while taking this drug as it can aggravate the dizziness feeling.
• Patients suffering from diabetes, heart problems, high or low pressure, strokes or seizures should consult the doctor before taking the medicine.
• Usage of Seroquel may lead to blood pressure drop.
• People allergic to Quetiapine or any other ingredients of Seroquel should not take this drug.
• Since Seroquel can make patients feel sleepy, they should avoid operating heavy machinery or driving while taking the medicine.
• Pregnant women should not use Seroquel.
• Since the medicine can pass into breast milk, nursing mothers should not take Seroquel.

There are some common side effects associated with Seroquel. These side effects may be experienced by some patients but it is not necessarily true that everyone will experience them. These common side effects are usually not serious and do not require immediate medical attention. However, patients may experience severe side effects that may require a doctor’s consultation. Common side effects associated with Seroquel that are not so serious include:

• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness
• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Runny nose
• Dry mouth
• Weight gain
• Weakness
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Blurred vision
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath

Some severe side effects of Seroquel that needs immediate medical attention include:

• Fainting
• Difficulty in speaking and swallowing
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• High sugar level symptoms like increased appetite, weakness, frequent urination, thirst, tired feeling, weakness and etc.

Drug interactions of Seroquel

Patients who are prescribed Seroquel should inform the doctor about all other prescription as well as non-prescription drugs that they are taking. This is suggested as Seroquel interferes with certain medications. Some of the medicines that interact with Seroquel include:

• High blood pressure medications
• Sleeping medication like Lorazepam
• Epilepsy medicine like carbamazepine or phenytoin
• Ketoconazole used to treat fungal infection
• HIV medicines
• Antibiotics like erythromycin and rifampicin
• Parkinson disease drugs
• Stimulants like Amphetamines
• Antipsychotic medicine like Thioridazine