Seroquel XR
Generic Name: Quetiapine
What is Seroquel XR?
Seroquel XR is a medicine used to treat schizophrenia in adults. It is also used alone or in combination with lithium or divalproex to treat bipolar disorder in adults, including manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder, and long-term treatment of bipolar I disorder when combined with lithium or divalproex. Additionally, Seroquel XR is used to treat major depressive disorder in addition to other antidepressants.What is the most important information I should know about Seroquel XR?
Seroquel XR may increase the risk of death when used to treat mental problems in elderly patients caused by dementia (an illness involving loss of memory and judgment, and confusion). Seroquel XR is not approved to treat mental problems caused by dementia.Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts and actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. Some people may have a particularly high risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions. These include people who have (or have a family history of) depression, bipolar disorder, or suicidal thoughts or actions.
Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when the medicine is started or when the dose is changed. Call your doctor right away to report new or sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Keep all follow-up visits with your doctor as scheduled.
Seroquel XR may cause tardive dyskinesia, a potentially irreversible condition characterized by uncontrollable muscle spasms and twitches in the face and body. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
Seroquel XR may cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a life threatening brain disorder), a serious and potentially fatal reaction to the drug. Call your doctor immediately if you develop muscle stiffness, confusion, irregular or rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, and high fever.
Certain antipsychotic drugs, including Seroquel XR, are associated with an increased risk of developing high blood sugar, which on rare occasions has led to coma or death. See your doctor right away if you experience dry mouth, unusual thirst, increased urination, and tiredness. If you have diabetes or have a high risk of developing it, see your doctor regularly for blood sugar testing.
Changes or elevations in cholesterol and weight gain have been reported.
Your doctor may also perform periodic eye exams to monitor for possible risk of cataracts.
Seroquel XR may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. 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.
Rarely, Seroquel XR 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 such as fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
Who should not take Seroquel XR?
Seroquel XR is not approved to treat mental problems caused by dementia.Do not take Seroquel XR if you are allergic to the medication or any of its ingredients.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Seroquel XR?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Seroquel XR. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you or any family member has a history of diabetes, high cholesterol, high or low blood pressure, low white blood cell count, cataracts, seizures, thyroid problems, high prolactin levels, heart problems, liver problems, pregnancy or plans to become pregnant, are breastfeeding or plans to breastfeed, family history of QT prolongation (abnormal heart rhythm), low levels of electroytes (such as low potassium or magnesium).What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Bipolar Depression
Adults: The recommended starting dose is 50 milligrams (mg) given once daily in the evening. Doses may be increased on consecutive days as follows: 100 mg per day on Day 2; 200 mg per day on Day 3; 300 mg per day on Day 4.
Bipolar Mania (given alone or with lithium or divalproex)
Adults: The recommended starting dose is 300 mg given once daily in the evening. Doses may be increased on consecutive days as follows: 600 mg per day on Day 2 and adjusted between 400 mg and 800 mg beginning on Day 3, depending on how you respond and tolerate the drug.
Management of Bipolar Disorder (given with lithium or divalproex)
Adults: Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dose for you.
Major Depressive Disorder (in addition to antidepressants)
Adults: The recommended starting dose is 50 mg once daily in the evening. The dose can be increased to 150 mg once daily on Day 3.
Schizophrenia
Adults: The recommended starting dose is 300 mg/day, preferably taken in the evening. The effective dose range is 400 mg to 800 mg daily depending on how you respond and tolerate the drug.
How should I take Seroquel XR?
Take Seroquel XR exactly as your doctor prescribes. Do not change the dose yourself.Seroquel XR should be taken daily, preferably in the evening. Take Seroquel XR with a light meal or without food. Seroquel XR should be swallowed whole and not split, chewed, or crushed.
If you feel you need to stop Seroquel XR, talk your doctor first. If you suddenly stop taking Seroquel XR, you may experience side effects such as insomnia, nausea, and vomiting.
What should I avoid while taking Seroquel XR?
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how Seroquel XR affects you. Seroquel XR may make you drowsy.Avoid getting overheated or dehydrated. Do not over-exercise. Stay out of the sun. Do not wear too much or heavy clothing. Drink plenty of water.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Seroquel XR as it may make some side effects of Seroquel XR worse.
When you first start treatment, avoid sitting up or standing up too quickly, especially in the morning. Seroquel XR may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting due to a decrease in blood pressure. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
Rarely, Seroquel XR 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 such as fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Seroquel XR?
If Seroquel XR is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Seroquel XR with the following: alcohol, barbiturates such as phenobarbital, carbamazepine, cimetidine, divalproex, erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, levodopa, lorazepam, phenytoin, protease inhibitors, QT-prolonging drugs, rifampin, steroids such as hydrocortisone and prednisone, thioridazine, and valproate.What are the possible side effects of Seroquel XR?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: weight gain, decreased blood pressure, difficulty swallowing, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, increased appetite, upset stomach, fatigue, disturbance in speech and language, stuffy nose
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.
Can I receive Seroquel XR if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Seroquel XR during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.What should I do if I miss a dose of Seroquel XR?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose, and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Seroquel XR?
Store at room temperature.
