Uses

QUETIAPINE (Seroquel) helps to treat schizophrenia. Quetiapine can help you to keep in touch with reality and reduce your mental problems. Generic quetiapine tablets are not yet available.

How to take

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.

Side Effects

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Rare or uncommon:; difficulty swallowing; severe weakness; fainting spells; inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs; loss of balance or difficulty walking; rash; restlessness or need to keep moving; seizures; stiff muscles; sexual difficulties 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

Precaution

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. 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. If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking quetiapine.

Drug interactions

alcohol; antifungal medicines, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or voriconazole; barbiturates; carbamazepine; cimetidine (Tagamet); erythromycin; levodopa; lorazepam; 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.

Missed Dose

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.

Storage

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.