Anti-Depressant » QUETIAPINE (kwe-TYE-a-peen)

Quetiapine is used to treat psychotic disorders and symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and hostility.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

THIS MEDICINE SHOULD NOT BE USED TO TREAT ELDERLY PATIENTS WHO HAVE A CERTAIN MENTAL CONDITION (dementia-related psychosis). These patients have an increased risk of death, usually due to heart problems (such as heart failure) or infection (such as pneumonia), while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking ketoconazole or phenytoin. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including diabetes, heart problems (such as heart failure), dementia, infection (such as pneumonia), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns you have about taking this medicine.

The SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, or dry mouth. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience uncontrolled muscle movements (such as your tongue or facial muscles), symptoms of high blood sugar (such as increased thirst, increased urination, or vision changes), unexplained fever, extreme muscle stiffness, fast or irregular heartbeat, unusual increased sweating, or unusual changes in your mental alertness. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

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.

This medicine is an antipsychotic agent used in the management of emotional or mood disorders, including schizophrenia. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

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.

Before taking quetiapine, 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, heart or liver disease, or if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had diabetes.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. 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 know that you may have increases in your blood sugar (hyperglycemia) while you are taking this medication, even if you do not already have diabetes. If you have schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions), you are more likely to develop diabetes than people who do not have schizophrenia, and taking quetiapine or similar medications may increase this risk. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms while you are taking quetiapine: extreme thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, blurred vision, or weakness.It is very important to call your doctor as soon as you have any of these symptoms, because high blood sugar can cause more serious symptoms, such as dry mouth, upset stomach and vomiting, shortness of breath, breath that smells fruity, or decreased consciousness,and may become life-threatening if it is not treated at an early stage.
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.