Sign inBefore taking quetiapine
Before taking quetiapine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have heart or circulation problems.
- If you have ever had epilepsy.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure).
- If you have had a stroke.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
- If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
How to take quetiapine
- Take quetiapine exactly as your doctor has told you. Your dose will depend upon the reason you are taking quetiapine, so if you are unsure about what dose to take, ask your doctor.
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Try to take quetiapine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are taking quetiapine.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.
- If you are taking the modified release tablets (known as Seroquel® XL), take your dose at least one hour before a meal. Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water without chewing or crushing it. Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are taking these tablets.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
- Quetiapine may slow your reactions and make you drowsy. If this happens do not drive.
- Alcohol will increase the drowsiness you feel, so do not drink alcohol.
- Quetiapine tablets come in different sizes and colours. If your dose is changed your tablets may look different. If you are unsure about your tablets at any time, ask your pharmacist.
- Do not stop taking quetiapine without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will probably want to reduce the dose you are taking gradually, as stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems.
- If you are taking quetiapine for depression or in bipolar disorder and you are having thoughts about harming yourself or having any suicidal thoughts, it is important that you talk to your doctor straight away.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with quetiapine.
- If you are diabetic, you may need to monitor your blood glucose levels more frequently. Your doctor will be able to advise you about this.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Can quetiapine cause problems
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Lightheadness or dizziness when getting up from a lying or sitting position, particularly when you first begin treatment | Getting up slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness returning |
| Dizziness, drowsiness | Make sure you know how you react before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
| Indigestion, feeling or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If dry mouth becomes a problem speak with your doctor or pharmacist |
| Constipation | Eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre. Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day |
| Shakiness or trembling, increased weight, unusual or uncontrollable movements, and restlessness | Speak to your doctor. Your treatment may need adjusting |
| Weakness, a runny or stuffy nose, a racing heartbeat, swollen feet or ankles | If troublesome, tell your doctor |
- 'flu-like' symptoms such as sweating, stiff muscles, a high temperature, paleness and a fast heartbeat,
- fever, persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers,
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes).
How to store quetiapine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Seroquel®, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2005.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Seroquel® XL, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2008.
- British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.