Uses of Quetiapine

Quetiapine is used to treat bipolar depression (feeling sudden extreme of happiness and sadness), schizophrenia (hear and see things which are not there), and mania. 

Therapeutic Category

Quetiapine: Antipsychotics

How Quetiapine works

Quetiapine effectively controls the symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It acts by blocking certain receptors (dopamine (D2), serotonin 2A (5HT2A)) in the brain that causes abnormal mood changes and mental problems. As a result, it improves the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Common side effects of Quetiapine

• headache, dizziness, sleepiness
• dry mouth
• weight gain
• rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath
• abnormal muscle movements (shaking, restlessness, muscle stiffness without pain)
• constipation, stomach upset
• weakness
• swelling of arms or legs
• feeling dizzy or faint while standing up (orthostatic hypotension)
• blurred vision
• unusual dreams or nightmares
• feeling irritated
• disturbance in speech and language
• raised levels of the hormone prolactin in the blood (signs include breast enlargement and milk production in both men and in women, irregular or lack of menstrual periods in women)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• if you experience blood clots in the veins especially in the legs (swelling, pain, and redness in the leg) which may travel through blood vessels to the lungs (causing chest pain and breathing problems)
• if you experience signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, sweating, stiff muscles, feeling very drowsy or faint)
• if you experience uncontrollable movements (especially face or tongue)
• if you experience dizziness or severe sleepiness
• if you experience fits
• if you experience priapism (long-lasting and painful erection)
• if you experience fast and irregular heartbeat, even when you are at rest, palpitations, or unexplained tiredness
• if you experience decreased WBC and platelet counts (signs include fever, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, or any other infection)
• if you experience bowel obstruction (signs include constipation, persistent abdominal pain)
• if you experience widespread skin rashes like Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a widespread rash with blisters and peeling skin, particularly around the mouth, nose, eyes and genitals
• if you experience Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), a more severe form causing extensive peeling of the skin, Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) consists of flu-like symptoms with a rash, fever, swollen glands, and abnormal blood test results (including increased white blood cells (eosinophilia) and liver enzymes)
• if you experience Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustilosis (AGEP), small blisters filled with pus, Erythema Multiforme (EM), skin rash with itchy-red irregular spots
• if you experience suicidal thoughts and worsening of depression

Health Tips for Quetiapine

• Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Quetiapine as it can cause drowsiness and impair coordination
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and get sufficient sleep for supporting overall well-being and to manage any potential weight gain associated with the medication
• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to maintain hydration and alleviate any discomfort
• Do not drink grapefruit juice as it may affect how the medicine works