Quetiapine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Quetiapine?

What is quetiapine for?

Quetiapine is a drug used to treat certain mental / mood conditions (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, sudden episodes of mania or depression associated with bipolar disorder). Quetiapine is known as an anti-psychotic drug (atypical type). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

This medicine can reduce hallucinations and increase your concentration. This medicine helps you to think more clearly and positively about yourself, overcome nervousness, and become more active in your daily life. This drug can also improve your mood, induce deep sleep, increase appetite, and increase energy. Quetiapine can help prevent severe mood swings or decrease how often mood swings occur.

OTHER USES: This section lists uses for this drug that are not listed on approved labels, but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this medication for the conditions listed below only if it has been prescribed by your doctor and health care professional.

Quetiapine can also be combined with other medications to treat depression. If you are taking quetiapine in combination with other medications to treat depression, read the drug information for other medications.

How is quetiapine used?

Read the drug's guide and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by the pharmacy, if available, before you get this medication and each time you buy again. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times daily with or without food. For treatment of depression related to bipolar disorder, take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this drug at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully. Take this medicine regularly to get its best properties. You must remember to take this medication at the same time every day.

It is important to continue taking this medication as prescribed even if you feel you are getting better. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions can get worse when this drug suddenly stops. You may also experience symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, nausea, headache, diarrhea, irritability. your dose may need to be gradually decreased to reduce side effects. Report new or worsening symptoms immediately.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or gets worse.

How is quetiapine stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Quetiapine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of quetiapine for adults?

Normal Dosage for Adults with Schizophrenia

Immediate release tablet:

Initial dose: 25 mg orally twice a day.

The dose may be increased gradually from 25 to 50 mg twice daily or thrice daily on the second and third days (as tolerated). By day four doses ranging from 300 mg to 400 mg per day (divided into 2 or 3 daily doses) may be achieved. additional dose adjustments (increases or decreases) of 25 to 50 mg twice daily can be made as needed. However, at least 2 days must pass between additional dose adjustments.

Efficacy in schizophrenia has been reported at doses ranging from 150-750 mg / day. the maximum clinical effect has been reported at 300 mg / day. The safety of doses above 800 mg / day has not been evaluated in clinical trials.

Extended release tablets:

Initial dose: 300 mg taken by mouth once a day without food or with snacks.

Maintenance dose: 400-800 mg orally once daily depending on response and tolerance.

Maximum dose: Doses above 800 mg daily have not been studied.

The dose of tablets with a prolonged effect can be increased gradually up to 300 mg daily at intervals as short as 1 day.

The efficacy of quetiapine for long-term use (longer than 6 weeks) has not been studied in clinical trials. Patients who respond well to quetiapine can be continued at the lowest dose that is effective in maintaining their remission. Patients must reassess to determine their needs throughout the treatment process.

Normal Dosage for Adults with Bipolar Disorder

Immediate release tablet:

Excitement associated with bipolar disorder as monotherapy or as an adjunct therapy for lithium or divalproex:

Initial dose: 50 mg orally twice a day

The dose can be increased to 200 mg orally twice daily on day 4 in increments to 50 mg twice daily. Further adjusted doses of up to 800 mg per day 6 days should be in multiples of not greater than 200 mg / day. Data have been reported to show that the majority of patients respond between 400 mg per day to 800 mg per day. The safety of doses above 800 mg per day has not been evaluated in clinical trials.

Immediate release tablet:

Depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder:

Initial dose: 50 mg orally once a day

The dose may be increased to up to 300 mg orally once daily on day 4. Some patients may require a further increase to 600 mg once daily by increasing the daily dose to 400 mg on day 5 and 600 mg on day 8 of treatment. Efficacy was demonstrated in the patient population at both 300 mg and 600 mg per day. However, no additional benefit was observed in patients receiving 600 mg per day compared with patients receiving 300 mg per day.

Extended Release Tablets:

Bipolar Depression:

(Depressive Episodes Associated with Bipolar Disorder)

Typical dosage for acute medicine: taken directly once a day at night starting with 50 mg per day and increasing the dose to reach 300 mg per day for up to day 4.

Recommended Dose Schedule: Day 1 - 50 mg, Day 2 - 100, mg, Day 3 - 200 mg, & Day 4 - 300 mg

Bipolar mania:

Typical dose for acute monotherapy or adjunctive therapy (with lithium or divalproex): take once daily at night starting with 300 mg on day 1, 600 mg on day 2, and adjusting between 400 mg and 800 mg per day thereafter depending on clinical response. and individual patient tolerance.

Bipolar maintenance:

Continue treatment at the dose required to maintain symptom remission. Although there is no available evidence that specifically addresses how long patients should take quetiapine tablets with prolonged effects, quetiapine has been shown to be successful in treating bipolar disorder (given by mouth twice daily at 400-800 mg per day) in addition to therapy for lithium or divalproex.. In general, in the maintenance phase, patients continue at the same doses at which they stabilized during the stabilization phase. The patient must reassess the will to determine the need for maintenance treatment and the appropriate dose for that treatment.

Normal Dosage for Adults with Depression

As an adjunct therapy for antidepressants can be used in the treatment of depression:

Extended Release Tablets:

Initial dose: 50 mg orally once a day at night

On day 3, the dose can be increased to 150 mg once a day at night.

Range: 150 mg to 300 mg taken daily. Doses above 300 mg have not been studied.

Normal Dosage for Adults with Schizophrenia

Immediate release tablet:

Initial dose: 25 mg orally once a day.

The dose can be increased daily in increments of 25 mg / day to 50 mg / day for an effective dose, depending on clinical response and patient tolerability.

Efficacy in schizophrenia has been reported at doses ranging from 150-750 mg / day. the maximum clinical effect has been reported at 300 mg / day. The safety of doses above 800 mg / day has not been evaluated in clinical trials.

Extended Release Tablets:

When the effective dose of tablets with an immediate effect has been reached (above 200 mg), the patient can switch to a tablet formulation with a prolonged effect at an equivalent dose.

The long-term (more than 6 weeks) efficacy of quetiapine has not been studied in clinical trials. Patients who respond well to quetiapine can continue treatment at the lowest dose effective in maintaining their remission. Patients should reconsider their need for maintenance treatment.

Normal Dosage for Adults with Bipolar Disorder

Extended Release Tablets:

Initial dose: 50 mg / day

The dose can be increased in increments of 50 mg / day depending on the response and tolerance of each patient.

What is the dose of quetiapine for children?

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients (less than 18 years) have not been determined.

In what dosage is quetiapine available?

25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg tablets. 400 mg

Quetiapine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to quetiapine?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor right away if you have new symptoms or a worsening condition such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, restless, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mental or physical), is more depressed, or has thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

Stop using quetiapine and call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects such as:

• very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeat, tremors
• feeling like you might pass out
• uncontrolled muscle movements, difficulty swallowing, problems with speaking
• tremors, or tired muscle movements in the eyes, tongue, jaw, neck, arms, or legs
• pale mask-like appearance, difficulty swallowing, problems with speaking
• blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights
• frequent thirst and urge to urinate, excessive hunger, fruity breath, weakness, nausea and vomiting
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, white patches or sores inside your mouth or lips

Less serious side effects include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling
• dry mouth, sore throat
• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation
• breast engorgement
• missed menstrual periods
• increased appetite, weight gain

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Quetiapine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using quetiapine?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

There have not been adequate studies regarding the relationship of age to the effects of quetiapine tablets with prolonged effects and tablets in children less than 13 years of age with schizophrenia, in children under 10 years of age with bipolar excitement, and in children under 18 years of age with bipolar depression. Its safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been established.

There are no adequate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of quetiapine tablets with a prolonged effect for treating major depressive disorders in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy are uncertain.

Elderly

There have not been sufficient studies to date to show a specific problem in elderly consumption that limits the efficacy of quetiapine. However, elderly patients are more likely to have dementia or age-related heart, liver, or kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients taking quetiapine.

Is quetiapine safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Quetiapine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with quetiapine?

Concomitant use of this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to give you this drug or change some of the other drugs you take.

• Amifampridine
• Atazanavir
• Boceprevir
• Cisapride
• Cobicistat
• Dronedarone
• Fluconazole
• lopinavir
• Mesoridazine
• Metoclopramide
• Nelfinavir
• Pimozide
• Piperaquine
• Posaconazole
• Ritonavir
• Saquinavir
• Sparfloxacin
• Telaprevir
• Terfenadine
• Thioridazine
• Tipranavir
• Ziprasidone

Using this medication with any of the following medicines is not usually recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both drugs.

• Alfuzosin
• Amiodarone
• amitriptyline
• Anagrelide
• Apomorphine
• Aripiprazole
• Arsenic trioxide
• Asenapine
• Astemizole
• Azithromycin
• Bedaquiline
• Bepridil
• Buserelin
• Carbamazepine
• Ceritinib
• Chloroquine
• Chlorpromazine
• Ciprofloxacin
• Citalopram
• Clarithromycin
• Clomiperamine
• Clozapine
• Conivaptan
• Crizotinib
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Dabrafenib
• Dasatinib
• Delamanid
• Desipramine
• Deslorelin
• Disopyramid
• Dofetilide
• Dolasetron
• Domperidone
• Doxepin
• Droperidol
• Ebastine
• Enzalutamide
• Eribulin
• Erythromycin
• Escitalopram
• Eslicarbazepine Acetate
• Famotidine
• Felbamate
• Fentanyl
• Fingolimod
• Flecainid
• Fluoxetine
• Formoterol
• Foscarnet
• Galantamine
• Gatifloxacin
• Gemifloxacin
• Gonadorelin
• Goserelin
• Granisetron
• Halofantrine
• Haloperidol
• Histrelin
• Hydromorphone
• Hydroquinidine
• Ibutilide
• Idelalisib
• Iloperidone
• Imipramine
• Indinavir
• Itraconazole
• Ivabradine
• Ketoconazole
• Lapatinib
• Leuprolide
• Levofloxacin
• lumefantrine
• Mefloquine
• Methadone
• Metronidazole
• Mifepristone
• Milnacipran
• Mitotane
• Mizolastine
• Morphine
• Morphine Sulfate Liposome
• Moxifloxacin
• Nafarelin
• Nefazodone
• nilotinib
• Norfloxacin
• Octreotide
• Ofloxacin
• Olanzapine
• Ondansetron
• Oxycodone
• Oxymorphone
• Paliperidone
• Paroxetine
• Pasireotide
• Pazopanib
• Pentamidine
• Perflutren Lipid Microsphere
• Perphenazine
• Phenobarbital
• Primidone
• Probucol
• Procainamide
• Prochlorperazine
• Promethazine
• Propafenone
• Rrotriptyline
• Quinidine
• Quinine
• Ranolazine
• Rifabutin
• Rifampin
• rifapentine
• Rilpivirine
• Risperidone
• Sertindole
• Sevoflurane
• Siltuximab
• Sodium Phosphate
• Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic
• Sodium Phosphate, monobasic
• Solifenacin
• Sorafenib
• Sotalol
• St. John's Wort
• Sunitinib
• Suvorexant
• Tacrolimus
• Tamoxifen
• Tapentadol
• Telavancin
• Telitromycin
• Tetrabenazine
• Tizanidine
• Tolterodine
• Toremifene
• Trazodone
• Trimipramine
• Triptorelin
• Vandetanib
• Vardenafil
• Vemurafenib
• Venlafaxine
• Vilanterol
• Vinflunine
• Voriconazole
• Vorinostat

Using this medication with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both drugs.

• Aprepitant
• Armodafinil
• Fosphenytoin
• Phenytoin
• Warfarin

Can food or alcohol interact with quetiapine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

Using this medication with one of the following is usually not recommended, but may not be avoided in some cases. When used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use these drugs, or give specific instructions about use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

• grapefruit juice

Using this medication with any of the following may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but they may not be avoided in some cases. When used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use these drugs, or give specific instructions about use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

• ethanol

What health conditions can interact with quetiapine?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• vascular or blood circulation problems
• dehydration
• a history of heart attack or stroke
• heart disease (for example, cardiac hypertrophy)
• heart failure
• heart rate problems (for example, long QT)
• hypotension (low blood pressure)
• hypovolemia (low blood volume) - may cause side effects to be worse
• bradycardia (slow heart rate), or a history of it
• heart rhythm problems (for example, the congenital long QT interval)
• hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in the blood)
• hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium in the blood) - may increase the risk of more serious side effects
• breast cancer, prolactin dependent
• cataract
• hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol or fat)
• hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin in the blood)
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• liver disease
• history of seizures
• swallowing problems - use with caution. might make the condition worse
• diabetes, or family history
• hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) - this medication can increase your blood sugar levels

Quetiapine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms may include the following:

• sleepy
• dizzy
• passed out
• fast heart rate

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.