Author: John Carter
Quetiapine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings
Due to this serious risk, doctors usually won’t prescribe Seroquel to older adults with dementia-related psychosis. If you or a loved one has dementia, talk with your doctor about which medications are not safe to take. Due to this risk, doctors will watch closely for suicidal thoughts and behaviors when Seroquel is prescribed for people under the age of 25 years. Keep in mind that Seroquel is not approved for treating bipolar depression in children. And the drug isn’t approved for any uses in children younger than age 10 years.
They’ll taper your dose to help prevent withdrawal symptoms. This means you’ll take smaller doses over time so your body can adjust to not having the medication. For example, it shouldn’t be combined with anti-arrhythmic drugs, certain antibiotics, antipsychotic drugs, alcohol, or methadone. When mixed with specific drugs, the side effects may increase and become more intense.
Will I experience withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking Seroquel?
Quetiapine may increase your cholesterol and fats in the blood. If this condition occurs, your doctor may give you medicine to lower the cholesterol and fats in the blood. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label.
If addiction occurs, residential addiction treatment, like the one we offer at Silver Pines, is likely the best solution. Due to the dangers of Seroquel withdrawal, it’s important to speak with your doctor if you’re thinking of stopping the drug. It may be helpful to take your Seroquel doses around the same times each day. For example, your doctor may recommend taking one dose in the morning and the other in the evening.
- Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific quetiapine products they stock.
- Another serious but extremely rare side effect that may occur as a result of taking Seroquel is neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
- If you do take Seroquel while pregnant, consider enrolling in a pregnancy registry.
- You should not drink alcohol while taking Seroquel.
- Your doctor will determine the best taper schedule for you.
Why People Use Seroquel
Typically, your doctor will prescribe a low dosage to start. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect. Seroquel belongs to a drug class called atypical antipsychotics. This medication can cause problems with controlling your body temperature.
Your doctor will check your blood sugar level before and during your Seroquel treatment. They’ll also monitor your blood sugar during your treatment. Before starting Seroquel, let your doctor know if you have diabetes and which medications (if any) you take to treat it. Seroquel may increase the risk of death in older adults (ages 65 years and older) who have psychosis related to dementia. Seroquel has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and adolescents. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Conditions
Seroquel (quetiapine) is a prescription drug used to treat schizophrenia and certain types of bipolar disorder. Seroquel can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Seroquel (quetiapine) is a brand-name drug prescribed for schizophrenia and certain types of bipolar disorder in adults and some children. Seroquel comes as an oral tablet you typically take twice per day. Quetiapine is used alone or together with other medicines to treat bipolar disorder (depressive and manic episodes) and schizophrenia.
General Health
This medicine may increase the amount of sugar in your blood. Check with your doctor right away if you have increased thirst or urination. If you have diabetes, the results of your urine or blood sugar tests may change. Check your blood sugar closely and talk with your doctor if you have any questions.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. For some patients, this medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel more depressed and have thoughts about hurting yourself.
Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood work and weight. Call your healthcare provider if you gain weight or develop the following symptoms of high blood sugar. Quetiapine is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children who are at least 13 years old. Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Seroquel for older adults with dementia-related psychosis. If you have this condition, your doctor can recommend the right treatment options for you. Seroquel may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions.