Quetiapine
About Quetiapine
Quetiapine belongs to a group of medications called ‘antipsychotics’. It is used in the treatment of bipolar depression, mania and schizophrenia. Bipolar disorder is characterized by manic episodes of excitement or euphoria and depression. Schizophrenia is characterized by symptoms of hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real) and delusions (wrong beliefs).
Quetiapine contains ‘quetiapine’, which is an antipsychotic drug. It acts by blocking dopamine, a hormone in the brain responsible for developing symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Quetiapine also affects other neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, and its beneficial effects may also be related to this. Altogether Quetiapine rebalances dopamine and serotonin to improve thinking, mood and behaviour.
Quetiapine should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. Common side-effects of Quetiapine are dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, abnormal muscle movements such as difficulty moving muscles, tremors and muscle stiffness, change in cholesterol levels, weight gain, and decrease in haemoglobin (protein in blood that carries oxygen) levels. Additionally, in children and adolescents, swelling of breasts in boys and girls and production of breast milk (due to an increase in prolactin hormone (helps in producing breast milk)) and irregular menstruation can be seen. Please do not stop taking Quetiapine without your doctor’s advice, as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Do not take Quetiapine if you are allergic to quetiapine or any other ingredients present in it. Before taking Quetiapine, inform your doctor if you have problems associated with the liver, kidney or heart. Also, inform your doctor if you have any sleeping difficulties. It is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop suicidal thoughts, or your depression worsens after taking Quetiapine. Quetiapine contains lactose, so it should not be given to people who are intolerant to some sugars. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Quetiapine
Medicinal Benefits
Quetiapine contains ‘quetiapine’ that belongs to the class of antipsychotics. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors preventing the excessive activity of dopamine. Dopamine is a ‘feel-good hormone’ that promotes happiness, excitement and pleasure. It alters brain function, improving mood, thinking ability and social behaviour. It reduces the development of symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or other mood disorders. Quetiapine also has effects on other neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, and its beneficial effects may also be related to this. Altogether Quetiapine rebalances dopamine and serotonin to improve thinking, mood and behaviour.
Directions for Use
Storage
Drug Warnings
Do not take Quetiapine if you are allergic to quetiapine or any ingredients present in it. Before taking Quetiapine, inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure, stroke, liver problems, seizures, diabetes, dementia (memory loss), alcohol or drug abuse, sleep apnea (a sleep disorder) and urinary retention. Quetiapine contains lactose, so it should not be given to people with lactose intolerance. Do not abruptly stop taking the medication as it may cause withdrawal symptoms, especially suicidal thoughts in young adults.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: Quetiapine may interact with medications, including antidepressants (citalopram, escitalopram, bupropion), opioid pain or cough relievers (codeine, hydrocodone), drugs for sleep or anxiety (alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine) and analgesics (acetaminophen, hydrocodone, tramadol).
Drug-Food interactions: Quetiapine may interact with grapefruit and alcohol and increase the risk of side effects.
Drug-Disease interactions: Quetiapine should be used with caution in patients with heart problems such as QT prolongation (heart rhythm problem), acute alcohol abuse, central nervous system (CNS) depression, dementia, stroke, seizures, diabetes and liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAlcohol may worsen the condition and increase the risk of side effects while using Quetiapine.
Pregnancy
cautionQuetiapine is a category C medicine. It should be used in pregnant women only when prescribed by a doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionQuetiapine should not be given to breastfeeding mothers unless prescribed by a doctor.
Driving
cautionQuetiapine may cause dizziness. So, it is not recommended to drive or operate heavy machinery when you take Quetiapine.
Liver
cautionQuetiapine should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
Kidney
cautionQuetiapine should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
Children
unsafeQuetiapine is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do not take grapefruit or grapefruit juice while using Quetiapine as it may alter the effects of the medicine.
- Avoid intense exercise as it is harder for the body to cool down when it gets very hot. So, drink plenty of fluids and avoid going out in hot weather.
- Do not take alcohol as it increases drowsiness and also worsens the disease condition.
- Eat healthily and keep a check on your weight regularly.
Special Advise
- Quetiapine may increase blood sugar levels even if you don't have diabetes, especially in patients with schizophrenia. So, it is recommended to immediately inform your doctor if you have symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue or increased appetite.
- If you are having a urine drug screen (an analysis to determine the presence of illegal drugs or drugs that are mostly abused, such as methadone or tricyclic antidepressants in the blood), the test results may show positive when certain test methods are used. A more specific test may be required in such cases.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia (psychosis) is a mental illness in which the processing of brain information is affected. Symptoms include hallucinations (seeing or hearing unreal things), delusions (false beliefs) and become withdrawal from society. They lose the ability to differentiate reality from false beliefs.
Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder or manic depression: Patients with bipolar disorders have mood swings ranging from manic episodes of heightened excitement to severe depression. Bipolar disorder may occur due to genetic factors, alcohol or drug abuse and mental trauma.
FAQs
Quetiapine contains 'quetiapine' that works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. By inhibiting the synthesis of the dopamine hormone, there will be a decrease in the occurrence of symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar depression. Quetiapine also has effects on other neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, and its beneficial effects may also be related to this. Altogether Quetiapine rebalances dopamine and serotonin to improve thinking, mood and behaviour.
Quetiapine increases blood pressure. So, it is advisable to monitor your blood pressure while taking Quetiapine frequently.
Quetiapine may cause dizziness and may increase the risk of falls. So, stand up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Quetiapine should not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Quetiapine as it causes drowsiness.
The long-term use of Quetiapine may cause potential side effects such as tardive dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements of arms and legs), increased blood sugar, vision impairment, and weight gain. However, if the benefits outweigh the risks, your doctor prescribes Quetiapine for a prolonged period.
Quetiapine is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under the age of 18 years. In children, it may cause potential side effects such as swelling of breasts in boys and girls, irregular periods and weight gain.
