Seroquel, an antipsychotic medication, is prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Like most medications, it can prove beneficial in treatment, but may cause unintended side effects when taken in conjunction with other medications or supplements. Always speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Seroquel and supplements at the same time.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your desire to mix Seroquel and nutritional supplements. As of February 2011, there are 845 known Seroquel drug interactions, according to Drugs.com. Although most of these are other medications, many supplements are also on the list, including the popular St. John's wort and ginkgo. Ask if any known interactions exist between Seroquel and the specific supplements you are interested in taking.
Step 2
Obtain a prescription for Seroquel, if you haven't done so already. Review all potential risks and side effects of taking the medication, as well as the proper dosing schedule, with your doctor.
Step 3
Purchase the supplements that were approved by your doctor or pharmacist. When possible, look for supplements that have the USP seal on the label. This ensures the supplements were tested for quality and purity by a third-party organization.
Step 4
Plan when to take Seroquel and supplements. Seroquel is typically administered two or three times a day, but your dosing schedule may be different depending on your specific needs. Some supplements are also taken at multiple times throughout the day, while others are taken just once a day. It may be easiest to take the supplements at the same time as your Seroquel dose, but this may not always be possible. Always follow the specific recommendations of your doctor.
Step 5
Begin taking Seroquel and the supplements as directed by your doctor. Seroquel comes in tablet form and is typically swallowed whole with a glass of water; it can be taken with or without food. Many supplements are taken the same way. Always administer the medication according to your doctor's instructions.
Step 6
Monitor your body for side effects. If you do experience any unusual reactions, you can stop taking the supplements, but you should not stop taking Seroquel without talking to a doctor. Abruptly stopping Seroquel may cause acute withdrawal symptoms, so gradually discontinuing the medication over time under the guidance of a doctor is recommended.
Tips and Warnings
- Store Seroquel and supplements at room temperature, away from moisture and heat and out of the reach of children.
- Avoid alcohol while taking Seroquel, as it may increase certain side effects of the medication. Seroquel may increase the risk of suicide, especially in people younger than 24 years old. If you have any suicidal thoughts while taking the medication, call a mental health professional immediately. Seroquel may cause a number of serious side effects: weight gain, missed menstrual periods, breast swelling, breast discharge, increase in appetite, gastrointestinal issues, dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, fever, flu symptoms, increased thirst or urination, fruity breath odor, changes in vision, rigid muscles, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeat or white patches on the inside of the mouth or lips. Contact your doctor if any of these symptoms occur.
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