Seroquel is a brand name prescription product containing quetiapine fumarate. It has long been used for the treatment of schizophrenia. It is also approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence. It comes in regular and extended-release formulations. Seroquel XR should not be used by people under the age of 18. Users should be aware of the interplay between the medication and diet.
Taking Seroquel with Food
Seroquel should be taken with a cup of water. The regular formulation may be taken on an empty stomach or with a meal, while the extended release formulation should be taken on an empty stomach or with a small meal of no more than 300 calories.
Food Interactions
People taking quetiapine should avoid using alcohol, as the drug can dangerously heighten the effects of alcohol. Obtain physician approval before eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this product.
Nutrition-Related Side Effects
Seroquel can cause dehydration. This effect can be especially severe in the elderly or in individuals who are outside in hot weather. People taking this medication should maintain an adequate fluid intake, consisting of water and other healthy beverages. Seroquel causes some individuals to lose their appetite or feel nauseated, so it may be necessary to eat small meals four or five times each day to compensate. The drug can cause the mouth to feel dry, which can also make the user uninterested in eating. Good oral hygiene and frequent sips of a beverage can help with appetite in the case of dry mouth. According to Drugs.com, quetiapine can possibly increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels, making a low-fat diet containing healthy oils, such as olive oil, canola oil, nuts and seeds, a priority. If constipation occurs, the user should increase dietary fiber and fluid intake.
A Healthy Diet with Seroquel
Each of the indications for Seroquel can create nutritional problems: the person with schizophrenia may not recognize he needs to eat, the person experiencing mania or depression related to bipolar disorder may not have an appetite, and the person with alcohol dependence may suffer from serious nutritional deficiencies. A healthy diet containing protein-rich foods, healthy oils, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat milk products is beneficial in each of these conditions.
References
- "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide"; Amy M. Karch, R.N., M.S.; 2010
- Drugs.com: Seroquel Food & Lifestyle Interactions
- PubMed Health: Quetiapine
