Generic Name: Quetiapine

Brand Name: Seroquel

This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist

Common Uses:
Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic. Exactly how it works is not known. It affects certain receptors in the brain. This may help to improve symptoms associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
It is used for treating schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use:
Use Seroquel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Use Seroquel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Seroquel comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Seroquel refilled.
Take Seroquel by mouth with or without food.
Continue to take Seroquel even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
Do not suddenly stop taking Seroquel without first talking with your doctor. You may have an increased risk of side effects. If you need to stop Seroquel or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.

Warning and Precautions:
Seroquel may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or decreased vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Seroquel with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Talk with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Seroquel; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
Seroquel may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. This may be more likely to occur when you start to take Seroquel , and also if your dose increases. To prevent these effects, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using Seroquel.
Do not become overheated or dehydrated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke, dizziness, or fainting may occur.
Several weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Seroquel may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Seroquel closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms, such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior, occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
Seroquel may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems, such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.
Seroquel may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Seroquel . Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
Some patients who take Seroquel may develop muscle movements that they cannot control. This is more likely to happen in elderly patients, especially women. The chance that this will happen or that it will become permanent is greater in those who take Seroquel in higher doses or for a long time. Muscle problems may also occur after short-term treatment with low doses. Tell your doctor at once if you have muscle problems with your arms; legs; or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (eg, chewing movements, mouth puckering, puffing of cheeks, tongue sticking out) while taking Seroquel .
Rarely, Seroquel may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, blood sugar or cholesterol levels, liver function, or eye exams, may be performed while you use Seroquel. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Important safety information:
If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Seroquel during pregnancy. It is unknown if Seroquel is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are taking Seroquel, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects:
Any of the medicine can cause side effects. If the side effects occur seek medical attention or consult with your doctor for more information. Anyway such common side effects may bother you:  agitation, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing, drowsiness, dry mouth, nose, or throat, nausea, nervousness, stomach upset. Seek medical attention if any of these side effects occur: chest pain, allergic reactions, difficulty swallowing or breathing, fainting, irregular or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, unusual stomach pain, painful or prolonged erection.
 
Overdose:
Almost any medicine taking in excess doses without consultation with your doctor can cause an overdose. If you suspect an overdose contact your emergency room immediately.

Missed Dose: If your doctor gave you strict instructions not to miss dose and if you missed one take the missed dose as soon as you remembered. If it is time for your next dose, skip it and continue taking you medicine regularly. Do not double the medicine. It can cause severe side effects.

Do not use this medicine:
if you have any allergic reaction to any component of this medicine

Storage conditions:
Seroquel should be kept away from heat, direct light, water, moisture at a room temperature (approximately 23 degrees C). The medicine should be kept in a place unreachable for children.

All information given above is a summary. You must visit your doctor, pharmacies or health care provider can provide more information about this medicine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store medication with end term of storage.