Have you or someone in your family been prescribed a medication called Quetiapine by a doctor? When that happens, it's normal for questions to come to mind about this medication. "What will happen with this?", "Is this safe?", "Are there any side effects?" You may be wondering the same thing. Don't worry. In this article, we'll talk about this medication called Quetiapine simply, just like you would tell a friend.
What exactly is Quetiapine?
Simply put, quetiapine is a medication used to treat several mental health conditions. It is often known in our country by the brand name Seroquel. It is mainly used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Think about it, our brains contain chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that control our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Dopamine and serotonin are two of the main chemical messengers. In some mental illnesses, these chemicals can become out of balance. In those cases, the drug quetiapine works by restoring those dopamine and serotonin levels , helping to stabilize your mood, thoughts, and behaviors. This class of drugs is called antipsychotics. But don't be afraid of the name, because this class of drugs is used to treat a wide range of mental illnesses.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important to tell your doctor about your medical history before starting quetiapine. This is because some conditions require special care when using this medicine. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Illness or condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Heart disease and blood pressure | Heart disease, heart rhythm disorders, low blood pressure. |
| Diabetes | You or someone in your family has diabetes. |
| Digestive system problems | Bowel blockage, constipation, difficulty swallowing. |
| Liver disease | Any problems related to liver function. |
| Eye problems | Cataracts, glaucoma. |
| Blood cell problems | Decreased white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. |
| Other medical conditions | Dementia, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy/ seizures , thyroid disease, prostate disease, urinary incontinence. |
| Mental health | Having thoughts, plans, or attempts to harm yourself (yourself or a family member). |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to quetiapine or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
How should I use this medicine?
The way to use this is very simple.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- Take the dose prescribed by your doctor at the right time. Do not skip doses.
- If you feel upset after taking the medicine, you can take it with a meal.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without medical advice. Doing so may cause symptoms to return more severely. If you do stop, do so under the supervision of a doctor, and gradually reduce the dose.
- Patients over the age of 65 may need a lower dose. Also, in some cases, this medicine is prescribed to children as young as 10 years old, but only under special care.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss 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.
What if I take too much medicine (overdose)?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
When taking quetiapine, you should also be aware of other medications you are taking. Some medications can interact with it and cause adverse effects. Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking.
It is advised to completely avoid taking quetiapine with the following medications.
- Cisapride
- Dronedarone
- Metoclopramide
- Pimozide
- Thioridazine
In addition, many other medications can interact with quetiapine. For example:
- Alcohol
- Some medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds
- Medication for anxiety or sleep
- Some medications for depression (e.g. fluoxetine, sertraline)
- Some medications for fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole)
- Medicines for epilepsy
- Blood pressure medication
- Painkillers (especially morphine)
- Some antiviral drugs for HIV or hepatitis
This list is not complete, so it is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
It's important to be a little mindful of your body and mind while taking quetiapine.
Changes in mental status
Pay attention to your mental state, especially when you first start taking the medication or after changing your dose. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family member notices any of the following:
- If you feel like your depression is getting worse.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself.
- If you feel very restless and anxious.
- If you get angry quickly and become aggressive.
- If you feel sleepy.
Effects felt on the body
- Dizziness and drowsiness: This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Don't get up too quickly: Getting up suddenly from a sitting or lying position can cause dizziness and fall. So get up slowly.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can alter the effects of the medication and increase drowsiness and dizziness.
- Body temperature: This medication may affect the body's ability to regulate temperature. Protect yourself from extreme heat and cold. Drink plenty of water.
Possible side effects
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 seek medical advice if necessary.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain. |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) | High fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, confusion. (This is an emergency) |
| High blood sugar levels (Hyperglycemia) | Excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) | Uncontrollable body movements, tremors, muscle tension, restlessness. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking, severe headache. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Drowsiness and dizziness | Drowsiness & Dizziness |
| Dry mouth | Dry mouth |
| Constipation | Constipation |
| Weight gain | Weight gain |
Take-Home Message
- Quetiapine is an important medication that can help improve your mental health. Don't be afraid of it.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you have.
- If you experience any serious side effects (e.g. high fever, difficulty breathing, confusion), seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medicine.
- It is very important to see your doctor on scheduled dates and discuss your condition.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 Quetiapine (Quetiapine / Seroquel) tablets are a medicine for which disease?
This is a new generation of powerful mental (Atypical antipsychotic) medication given for severe 'Schizophrenia', depression, and especially Bipolar Disorder (a disease that suddenly changes from anger to extreme happiness)! While it eliminates the patient's absurdity and impulsivity, many doctors also use it in low doses as an effective sleeping pill for 'Insomnia'.
💬 How does this drug (Quetiapine) go to the brain and completely eliminate the patient's impulsivity/excessive happiness?
The patient's hallucinations and changes increase due to abnormally high levels of the chemicals 'dopamine and serotonin' in the brain. This medicine goes directly to the brain and blocks/balances both the D2 and 5-HT2A Receptors. It also blocks histamine (H1), so the patient's screaming/struggling behavior completely collapses and he enters a calm sleep/submissive state.
💬 What are the main and most annoying side effects of taking these pills (Seroquel)? Does it cause weight loss?
Weight loss is not possible! The biggest and most annoying side effect of this is that after a few months of drinking it, the body will experience 'severe weight gain'. Also, there is a high chance that both cholesterol and sugar in the blood (Metabolic syndrome/Diabetes) will increase severely. Another thing is that drinking this will definitely cause severe drowsiness and dizziness (Sedation/Orthostatic hypotension) to the point where you can't get out of bed in the morning.
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