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What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Quetiapine is a medication used to treat several mental health conditions. It is mainly used for conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder . Our brains have chemicals that control our mood, behavior, and thoughts. We also call these hormones. Dopamine and serotonin are two of the main chemicals. Quetiapine works by balancing the levels of these chemicals and helping to control your symptoms. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called antipsychotics . In Sri Lanka, this medication is commonly available under the brand name Seroquel XR.Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
To decide if this medication is right for you, it is essential that your doctor knows your complete health history. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, do not hide anything and tell your doctor.| Health condition or problem | Details you need to provide |
|---|---|
| Mental health | You or a family member has had suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts. Dementia. |
| Heart disease and blood pressure | Any type of heart disease, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure. |
| Endocrine system (Hormones) | Diabetes, thyroid disease, high levels of the hormone prolactin, history of breast cancer. |
| Digestive system and urinary system | Intestinal obstruction, frequent constipation, difficulty swallowing food, difficulty urinating, prostate disease. |
| Other medical conditions | Liver disease, cataracts, glaucoma, seizures, Parkinson's disease, low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergic reaction to quetiapine or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
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Check Availability →How should I use this medicine?
The way this medicine is used is very important.- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Never break, crush, or chew the tablet. This is a long-acting (An extended-release tablet. If it is broken, the medicine can be absorbed into the body too quickly, increasing the risk of side effects .
- Take the medicine on an empty stomach or with a light meal. Do not take this medicine if you have eaten a full meal.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day. Take only the prescribed dose, exactly as your doctor prescribes.
- Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without medical advice. Doing so may cause your symptoms to return and become more severe.
- People over the age of 65 may be more sensitive to this medicine. Therefore, a lower dose may be prescribed. It is also given to children over the age of 10 in some cases, but only under special medical supervision.
Most importantly: If you have any suspicion that you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not delay.This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share it with anyone else.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.Other things that may interact with this medicine
Quetiapine is a drug that can interact with other medications and substances, so it's important to be aware of this.Warning: Do not use Quetiapine if you are taking the following medications. Talk to your doctor about this. – Cisapride – Dronedarone – Metoclopramide – Pimozide – ThioridazineIn addition, many other medications and substances can interact with it. See the table below.
| Drug/substance category | Things to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Avoid drinking alcohol. It can greatly increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by the medication. |
| Medication for depression, anxiety, and sleep | Medications such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline, and sleeping pills. |
| Antifungals | Medicines for fungal infections such as ketoconazole and fluconazole. |
| Antiviral drugs for HIV or hepatitis | These can increase the levels of Quetiapine in the body. |
| Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines) | These medications can increase drowsiness. |
| Medication for seizures and Parkinson's disease | Problems can occur with medications like Levodopa. |
| Herbal products | Herbal products such as St. John's Wort may interfere with the effectiveness of this medication. |
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medication, Quetiapine can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. The important thing is to be aware of these and take action if you notice anything serious. Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately: Most are not serious (but tell your doctor if they persist)
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain. |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) | High fever, stiff muscles, excessive sweating, and confusion. This is a very serious emergency. |
| High blood sugar levels (Hyperglycemia) | Excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) | Uncontrollable movements of body parts, muscle stiffness, tremors, restlessness, dragging feet when walking. |
| Mood changes | Suicidal thoughts, increased depression, severe restlessness, agitation. |
| Drowsiness and dizziness | Avoid driving or operating machinery until your body adjusts to the medication. |
| Dry mouth | Chewing sugar-free gum or drinking small amounts of water frequently may help. |
| Constipation | It is important to eat fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables) and drink plenty of water. |
| Weight gain | Talk to your doctor about diet and exercise. |
Take-Home Message
- Never stop taking Quetiapine suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Swallow this tablet whole without breaking, crushing, or chewing.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely. Be very careful when driving and doing hazardous work while taking the medicine.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, or suicidal thoughts , seek medical advice immediately.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications (including vitamins and herbal products) you are taking.
- Be sure to attend scheduled clinic appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress.
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