Both options usually come in the form of an oral tablet. When a patient takes this atypical antipsychotic, the chemical activity in their brain will begin to alter. Doctors commonly prescribe Seroquel to treat or ease the symptoms of mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
It may be used in combination therapy and may be prescribed in addition to another medication, such as an antidepressant. When used correctly, Seroquel may prevent mood swings, decrease hallucinations if applicable , improve concentration, increase confidence, and treat depressive or manic episodes. If Seroquel is misused, it can cause someone to feel an intense and potentially dangerous high. Abusing Seroquel to improve mood, increase pleasure, or reduce anxiety may result in unpleasant or even fatal side effects.
This prescription drug comes with a high risk of addiction, especially when combined with other drugs. Some individuals who misuse Seroquel may mix it with cocaine, for example.
Chances for addiction and dependence also increase when someone snorts or injects Seroquel instead of taking it as an oral tablet. When Seroquel is snorted, it enters the bloodstream more quickly and results in an intense high. Some people have thoughts about harming themselves or taking their own lives soon after they stop this medicine — you must go straight to a hospital if this happens to you. If you have taken more quetiapine than the dosage recommended by the doctor who prescribed it to you, you must get medical help immediately — even if you do not feel any different.
While taking quetiapine, some people may think about hurting themselves or taking their own lives. You must go straight to hospital with your tablets if you have any of these thoughts.
Quetiapine can sometimes cause serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience unusual movements mainly of the face or tongue. Feeling a little dizzy or sleepy is common, particularly at the start of treatment. This usually passes, but if you feel very dizzy or excessively sleepy, contact your doctor. Go to hospital if you have a seizure fit. Quetiapine can in rare cases cause a long-lasting and painful erection called priapism.
If this happens, you will need to be treated in hospital. In very rare cases, people have severe allergic reactions to quetiapine. Go to hospital if you have difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face or throat. Quetiapine is not addictive, but stopping it suddenly can cause problems such as difficulty sleeping, feeling or being sick, headache, diarrhoea loose poo , feeling dizzy or irritable. See you doctor if you want to stop, or if you are having these effects.
You might feel sleepy or dizzy, and not able to see properly, in the first few days after taking quetiapine. Do not drive a car, ride a bike or operate machines until you see how this affects you. Not everyone will experience side effects with quetiapine, and most of the common side effects of this medication will go away or get better within a couple of weeks. If you think you have a side effect that has lasted longer than this, see your doctor to discuss possible alternatives to quetiapine.
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View shareable links View Basket : 0 items. Guide Menu for Quetiapine. Hide Show guide menu. Guide contents jump to section About quetiapine Quetiapine and everyday life Uses, warnings, safety and side effects About this information More information and advice. About quetiapine. Please note. Always talk to your doctor about your situation and whether this medication is for you. Thinking about trying medication? Read our guide.
How quetiapine works. Quetiapine and everyday life. Frequently asked questions. How long does it take to start working? What effects will it have on my body?
Watch out for any early signs of diabetes. These include: wanting to drink a lot going for a wee a lot feeling weak If you are a young person who already has diabetes, taking quetiapine may affect your blood sugar levels. Talk to your doctor and check your blood glucose levels regularly. You may have to increase the dosage of the medication you use for your diabetes.
Should I tell my family and friends I am taking it? Will it affect my sleep? In the first few days of taking quetiapine, you may feel extremely sleepy. Taking quetiapine with alcohol or some other medicines could make this even worse.
You might also have strange dreams or nightmares. Talk to your doctor if any of this worries you. Can I drink alcohol and take street drugs while taking it? Alcohol You can continue to drink alcohol while taking quetiapine, but having the two together might make you very sleepy. Street drugs Some street drugs can increase levels of dopamine in the brain e.
Some street drugs can make you feel sleepy and this could be made worse with quetiapine. Can I take it with other medications? Are there any other interactions I should know about? Can I drive while taking it? Do not worry - most people drive as normal while taking quetiapine. You may be prosecuted if you are involved in an accident as a result. Can I take it if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Pregnancy When deciding whether to take quetiapine during pregnancy it is important to weigh up how necessary quetiapine is to your health against the possible risks to you or your baby, some of which will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are. Post-natal If you take quetiapine close to delivery your baby may have some side effects or discontinuation symptoms, like being irritable, crying or problems feeding and sleeping.
Breastfeeding Quetiapine is passed in small amounts to the baby through breast milk. You should discuss the risks and benefits of breastfeeding with your midwife or doctor. Make sure that your doctor, nurse, or health visitor checks your baby for any side effects. Will it affect my sex life or fertility? Sex Quetiapine can have side effects that might affect your sex life. Typically patients begin at a low dose of medicine and the dose is increased slowly over several weeks. The dose usually ranges from mg to mg.
Only your healthcare provider can determine the correct dose for you. The extended release tablets should be swallowed whole. They should not be chewed, crushed, or broken. Use a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you remember to take your medication.
You may also ask a family member or a friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication. If you miss a dose of quetiapine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your healthcare provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed. Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking quetiapine. They may decrease the benefits e.
If an overdose occurs call your doctor or You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at Increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, drowsiness, headache, agitation, dizziness, fatigue, extrapyramidal symptoms, weight gain, cholesterol abnormalities, increased glucose, dry mouth, increased appetite, constipation. Quetiapine may increase the blood levels of a hormone called prolactin.
Side effects of increased prolactin levels include females losing their period, production of breast milk and males losing their sex drive or possibly experiencing erectile problems.
Long term months or years of elevated prolactin can lead to osteoporosis, or increased risk of bone fractures. Some people may develop muscle related side effects while taking quetiapine. Symptoms of EPS include restlessness, tremor, and stiffness. TD symptoms include slow or jerky movements that one cannot control, often starting in the mouth with tongue rolling or chewing movements. Temperature regulation: Impaired core body temperature regulation may occur; caution with strenuous exercise, heat exposure, and dehydration.
Second generation antipsychotics SGAs increase the risk of weight gain, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol. This is also known as metabolic syndrome. Your healthcare provider may ask you for a blood sample to check your cholesterol, blood sugar, and hemoglobin A1c a measure of blood sugar over time while you take this medication. Information on healthy eating and adding exercise to decrease your chances of developing metabolic syndrome may be found at the following sites:.
SGAs have been linked with higher risk of death, strokes, and transient ischemic attacks TIAs in elderly people with behavior problems due to dementia. All antipsychotics have been associated with the risk of sudden cardiac death due to an arrhythmia irregular heartbeat. To minimize this risk, antipsychotic medications should be used in the smallest effective dose when the benefits outweigh the risks.
Your doctor may order an EKG to monitor for irregular heartbeat. Symptoms include confusion, fever, extreme muscle stiffness, and sweating. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your healthcare provider immediately. All antipsychotics can cause sedation, dizziness, or orthostatic hypotension a drop in blood pressure when standing up from sitting or lying down.
These side effects may lead to falls which could cause bone fractures or other injuries. This risk is higher for people with conditions or other medications that could worsen these effects. If falls or any of these symptoms occur, contact your healthcare provider.
Tardive dyskinesia TD is a side effect that develops with prolonged use of antipsychotics. If you develop symptoms of TD, such as grimacing, sucking, and smacking of lips, or other movements that you cannot control, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
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