Quetiapine

About quetiapine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antipsychotics.

Quetiapine is effective in helping symptoms such as hearing voices, loss of energy, thought disturbances, difficulties communicating with others, worry, depression, overcoming feelings of wanting to be alone as well as other symptoms of schizophrenia.

Quetiapine is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Seroquel. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before 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 suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from epilepsy, hypertension (high blood pressure) or have ever suffered from 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 directed by your doctor and always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Try to take quetiapine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember then continue taking it at the usual times. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose and continue as normal. Never take two doses at the same time to make up.
• Do not stop taking quetiapine without speaking to your doctor first.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of quetiapine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any ‘over-the-counter’ medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside quetiapine.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking quetiapine.
• Quetiapine can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. Only drink a little alcohol and be aware of its effects on you.
• Quetiapine can cause a dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets. If a dry mouth becomes too troublesome, discuss the problem with your doctor.
• Quetiapine may cause lightheadness and dizziness when getting up from a lying or sitting position, particularly when you begin treatment. Getting up slowly should help.

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 if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Weight gain, dizziness, stiffness or uncontrollable movements of the body, drowsiness, indigestion, constipation, dry mouth, weakness, a sore or runny nose, a fast heartbeat, anxiety (worry), fever (high temperature), skin rashes, prolonged erection in men.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store quetiapine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 20/10/2005