|
CHEMICAL NAME
QUETIAPINE.
INDICATIONS
Seroquel(QUETIAPINE) 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.
DIRECTIONS
Seroquel(QUETIAPINE) Tablets are taken by mouth, generally twice or three times daily. Dosage is based on age, mental condition and other diseases, and is slowly increased as tolerated. It may take several weeks to notice the full benefit of this drug. Continue to take it everyday as directed, even if you are feeling better and thinking more clearly. Limit the amount of grapefruit or grapefruit juice you may eat or drink while being treated with this medication, unless directed otherwise. Grapefruit juice may increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
SIDE EFFECTS
Constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, stomach pain or upset, weight gain or dry mouth may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. To relieve dry mouth and protect teeth and gums, you may suck on sugarless candy or use a saliva substitute or ice chips. Report promptly: fainting, unusually fast or irregular heartbeat. Unlikely but report promptly: skin rash, itching, trouble breathing. Very unlikely but report promptly: fever, persistent sore throat, muscle stiffness, confusion, sweating, uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., tongue or facial muscles), one-sided muscle weakness, cold sensitivity, trouble urinating, black stools, unusual moods. This drug may infrequently make your blood sugar level rise, therefore causing or worsening diabetes. This high blood sugar can rarely cause serious (sometimes fatal) conditions such as diabetic coma. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, such as unusual increased thirst and urination, or vision changes. If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugar level regularly. This drug may also cause significant weight gain and a rise in your blood cholesterol (or triglyceride) levels. These effects, along with diabetes, may increase your risk for developing heart disease. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. (See also Notes section.) If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking quetiapine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, blood vessel disease, very low blood pressure, seizure disorders. (See also Side Effects section.) Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if either you or a family member has a history of the following: diabetes, heart disease, high blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, obesity. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. This is more likely to occur in the first few days after starting or restarting the drug, or after dosage increases. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. This drug might hinder body temperature control. It is advised not to exercise strenuously, and to avoid extreme heat while using this medication. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, rapid pulse, weakness, fatigue, and dizziness.
INFORMATION
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. 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.
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of: dopamine-like drugs (e.g., dopamine, bromocriptine, cabergoline), levodopa, anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital), rifampin, rifabutin, drugs for high blood pressure, other antipsychotic drugs (e.g., thioridazine), azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole), erythromycin, thyroid medicine (e.g., thyroxine). Also report use of drugs that cause drowsiness, such as: drugs used for sleep, sedatives, antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines or anticholinergics (e.g., diphenhydramine, atropine), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine). Antihistamines may be found in many cold-and-cough medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
|
