Quetiapine

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Dopaquel, Serez, Seroquel, Truvalin

Drug group:

Antipsychotic drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug that is prescribed for the treatment of:

• Schizophrenia – for “positive” symptoms (thought disorders, delusions, and hallucinations) and “negative” symptoms (blunted affect and emotional and social withdrawal)
• Mania and depression in bipolar affective disorder (manic-depression)

How should it be used?

Avoid grapefruit juice, because it may increase blood levels of quetiapine.

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Usual range 300–450mg daily, taken 2x daily, start low and increase over several days
• Schizophrenia: starting dose 50mg daily, maximum 750mg daily
• Mania: starting dose 100mg daily, maximum 800mg daily

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 1–7 days             
                  

How long will the effects last?

Up to 12 hours                     
  

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor  
                               

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Prolonged use may increase the risk of:

• Diabetes, raised blood lipid levels
• Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements of the tongue/face)
• Stroke in the elderly

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: drowsiness, weight gain, indigestion, constipation, dizziness
• Less common: stuffy nose, sore throat, palpitations
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: severe dizziness, fainting

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney/heart problems, epilepsy, diabetes
• Other medicines: anti-epileptics (eg. phenytoin, carbamazepine), sedatives, erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, fluconazole, protease inhibitors
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: Not recommended
• Over 60: Reduced doses necessary, the drug is excreted more slowly than in younger adults
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug can cause drowsiness
• Alcohol: Avoid, enhanced sedative effects