Quetiapine

• Mental disorder that affects a person’s ability to think or behave properly (Schizophrenia)
• Mood swings ranging from feeling low (depression) to very high (maniac) – a condition known as bipolar disorder
• To treat patients suffering from major depressive disorders (MDDs) who are not responsing to regular medicines
• For prevention of repeat episodes of depression

When should one not use Quetiapine

• If you are allergic to the medicine or any other substances used to make this medicine
• Do not take Quetiapine if you are taking any of the following:
• If you are taking some medicines for HIV (Protease inhibitors – Atazanavir, Lopinavir)
• If you are taking medicines used to treat fungal infections (Ketoconazole, Posaconazole, Itraconazole, etc.)
• If you are taking Erythromycin or Clarithromycin (for infections)
• If you are taking Nefazodone (for depression)

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Dizziness, weakness, feeling sleepy
• Symptoms of discontinuation when you stop taking Quetiapine (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, feeling irritated)
• Low blood pressure, swelling of hands and legs
• Unpleasant dreams & nightmares, suicidal thoughts
• Blurred vision, difficulty in speaking
• Rapid heartbeat
• Weight gain, increased appetite
• Changes in the blood levels of following – fats, triglycerides, thyroid hormones, decreased blood cells, increased blood sugar levels, elevated liver enzymes, high prolactin levels
• Seizures (fits)
• Combination of flu-like symptoms, fever, sore throat
• Unpleasant sensation in the legs (restless legs syndrome)
• Difficulty in passing urine
• Fainting
• Stuffy nose
• Allergic symptoms - itching, hives, rash and swelling of lips, face, throat, etc.
• High fever, muscle stiffness, fever, drowsiness (neuroleptic malignant syndrome)
• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice), liver disease
• Worsening symptoms, e.g. anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, etc.
• Formation of blood clots (severe)
• Low body temperature (hypothermia)
• A combination of any 3 of the following – increase in fat around abdomen, decrease in good cholesterol (HDL-C), high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose and triglyceride levels (metabolic syndrome)

Other General Warnings

• Low blood pressure
• Brain stroke, especially if you are an elderly patient (above 65 years)
• Any liver problems
• Fits (seizures)
• Diabetes or at risk

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Anti-seizure medications (Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, etc.)
• Medicines used to treat high blood pressure (BP)
• Sleeping pills (Barbiturates)
• Other anti-psychotic or anti-depression medicines (Lithium, Thioridazine)
• Medicines for heart diseases
• Medicines that may block your nerve impulses (anticholinergics-Atropine, Dicyclomine, etc.)
• Antibiotics or any other medicines used to treat infections
• Medicines used to treat HIV/ AIDS (Protease inhibitors – Atazanavir, Lopinavir)
• Medicines used to treat fungal infections (Ketoconazole, Posaconazole, Itraconazole, etc.)
• Antibiotics (Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, etc.)
• Nefazodone (for depression)

Interactions with food items

Overdose

Missed a Dose