Seroquel is an oral anti-psychotic medication that blocks communication between the nerves of the brain. It inhibits receptors on the nerves for certain neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that permit the transmission of signals from one neuron to another. This drug, known by the generic name quatrain, is indicated in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Schizophrenia
The inability to differentiate reality from unreal experiences, think logically, have normal emotional responses and behave normally in social settings characterizes the mental disorder of schizophrenia. Seroquel is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and adolescents ages 13 to 17. According to RxList, the drug’s efficiency to treat this disorder was established following three six-week trials in adults and one six-week trial in adolescents. Seroquel's effectiveness as maintenance treatment has not been fully evaluated.
Acute Bipolar Disorder
The Mayo Clinic lists an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain as one plausible cause of bipolar disorder. Also referred to as manic-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder manifests as cycles of extreme depression alternating with cycles of manic highs. According to the AstraZeneca website, Seroquel is approved and indicated for the treatment of acute depressive episodes in bipolar disorder in adults and treatment for the acute manic episodes in adults when used alone or in combination with lithium or divaproex. The drug is approved and indicated for acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder in children and adolescents ages 10 to 17. Seroquel's efficiency in treating acute bipolar disorder was established in two 12-week trials in adults. During these two trials, the drug was used alone. The efficiency of combination with lithium or divaproex was established in one three-week trial in adults. The efficiency of Seroquel was established in one three-week trial in children ages 10 to 17 years and was not given with lithium or divaproex.
Long -Term Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a long-term illness. The National Institute for Mental Health says the disorder develops during the late teens and early adult years. In some cases, symptoms present during childhood while others show symptoms later in life. Bipolar disorder requires management throughout a person’s life. Seroquel is approved and indicated for long-term treatment of bipolar disorder in adults as adjunct therapy with lithium or divaproex.
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