Seroquel, the brand name of the medication quetiapine, treats bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in adolescents and adults. It also works with antidepressants to treat adult major depressive disorder. If you are interested in taking Seroquel should talk to a doctor about the risks and benefits before deciding if it is right for them.
Taking Seroquel
You should follow the directions on the prescription label carefully when taking Seroquel. Take this medication with a glass of water and swallow the entire pill without chewing or breaking it. A doctor will monitor you on a regular basis while you are taking Seroquel and adjust the dosage of the medication as necessary. Therefore, be vigilant about keeping doctor appointments and always be forthcoming and honest with your doctor about how you feel while taking the medication.
Things to Avoid
When you begin taking Seroquel you should avoid driving or doing activities that require alertness until you understand how the medication affects you. Seroquel can cause dizziness, so you should avoid standing up too quickly. Drinking alcohol can increase the side effects of Seroquel, so you should not drink alcohol while on this medication.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Seroquel include runny nose, sore throat, dry mouth, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, nausea or vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, anxiety, agitation, blurred vision, swelling or discharge of the breasts, missed menstrual periods and weight gain, according to Drugs.com.
Contraindications
Seroquel isn't for everyone. People who have a history of dementia, kidney or liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, seizures or epilepsy, high cholesterol or triglycerides, trouble swallowing, a thyroid disorder, strokes, heart attacks, low white blood cell counts or diabetes should talk to a doctor about the risks of taking Seroquel and explore other options, suggests Drugs.com. In addition, pregnant and breastfeeding women should also talk to their doctors before taking Seroquel, as it is unknown whether the medication causes harm to unborn or developing babies.
Drug Interactions
Seroquel negatively interacts with other medications or herbal supplements, warns Drugs.com. Some known interactions include the medications cimetidine, erythromycin, lorazepam, rifabutin, rifampin, steroids, thioridazine, fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluoxetine, haloperidol, imipramine, risperidone, carbamazepine, divalproex, phenobarbital, phenytoin or valproate. You should report all medications, vitamins, minerals and herbal products you are taking to a doctor to check for possible interactions before taking Seroquel.
Warning
Seroquel can sometimes cause dangerous medical reactions. If you experience a fever, stiff muscles, sweating, confusion, uneven or fast breathing, involuntary muscle movements, weakness, numbness, severe headache and problems with balance, speech or vision you should immediately stop using Seroquel and call a doctor.
Changes in behavior or mood, more severe depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, panic attacks, restlessness, impulsiveness, irritability, agitation or thoughts of self-harm or suicide may also occur while taking Seroquel. You should immediately report these symptoms to a doctor, warns the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration.
