What is Seroquel/Quetiapine used for?

This medicine is used for the management of psychotic disorders in adults.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Seroquel/Quetiapine be stored?

Store between 59 to 86 degrees F. Protect from heat and light. Keep bottle tightly closed.

General drug information:

When should Seroquel/Quetiapine not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine

What precautions should I follow when taking Seroquel/Quetiapine?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine or dietary supplements if you have any other medical conditions (such as, heart disease or a history of seizures)

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Seroquel/Quetiapine?

A potentially fatal symptom complex referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported in association with administration of this medicine. Clinical manifestations of NMS are hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and cardiac dysrhythmia).

What are the side effects of Seroquel/Quetiapine?

Most severe:  Abnormal muscle movements.

Most common:  Headache; drowsiness; dizziness; constipation; dry mouth; dizziness when arising from a sitting or lying position; fast heartbeat; indigestion; rash; weakness; stomach pain; runny nose; weight gain; back pain; fever.

Other:  Ear pain; muscle stiffness; slurred speech; flu syndrome; appetite loss; pounding in the chest (palpitations); sore throat; increased cough; difficulty breathing; swelling of the hands or feet; sweating.

How should I take Seroquel/Quetiapine?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. This medicine may be taken without regard to meals. Take with food if stomach upset occurs. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. This medicine may increase the risk of heat exposure, sunstroke, or dehydration. Use caution when exercising strenuously or being exposed to extreme heat. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid overheating. Contact your doctor if any of the following occurs: Fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, irregular pulse or blood pressure, fast heartbeat, excessive sweating. These could be signs of a serious condition. Contact your doctor if you experience any unusual muscle movements or twitching. This could also be a sign of a serious condition. This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, especially when standing or rising. If these symptoms occur, sit or lie down and contact your health care provider if they continue. Use caution while driving or performing hazardous tasks requiring alertness, coordination or physical dexterity. Do not stop or change the amount of medicine you are taking unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Patients with other medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements without talking with your doctor. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.