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Quetiapine

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  • Quetiapine may cause you to feel drowsy. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving.
  • Do not stop taking quetiapine without talking to your doctor first. Stopping suddenly can cause problems.
  • Common side-effects which you may experience include; dizziness, tiredness, indigestion and a dry mouth.

About quetiapine

Type of medicine Antipsychotic
Used for Schizophrenia
'Highs' and 'lows' in bipolar disorder
Also called Seroquel®, Seroquel® XL
Available as Tablets, modified release tablets

Quetiapine works by acting on chemical transmitters in the brain.

It is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia such as hearing, seeing or sensing things that are not real, mistaken beliefs and thoughts, and problems dealing with other people. It is also used to control the 'highs' (excited moods) and 'lows' (depressed moods) of bipolar disorder.

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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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

Important: If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay:

  • '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


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Seroquel®, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2005, accessed November 2008.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Seroquel® XL, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2008, accessed November 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2009 DocID: 1485 DocRef: dils3675 Last Reviewed: 15 Dec 2008 Version: 24

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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