Quetiapine
Information about Quetiapine
Quetiapine uses
Quetiapine is used in the treatment of schizophrenia and mania.
How quetiapine works
Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic. It works by modulating the action of certain chemical messengers in the brain that affect thoughts.
Common side effects of quetiapine
Headache, Dystonia, Sleepiness, Parkinsonism, Akathisia, Dizziness, Decreased haemoglobin level in blood, Weight gain, Increased triglyceride level in blood
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Last updated on:
10 Oct 2019 | 04:04 PM (IST)
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Expert advice for Quetiapine
- You have been prescribed Quetiapine for the treatment of schizophrenia and mania.
- It is less likely to cause heart problems and movement disorders than other antipsychotics.
- It may take 4 to 6 weeks to see treatment effects. Keep taking it as prescribed.
- Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Quetiapine can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
- To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
- It may increase your weight, blood sugar and cholesterol. Eat healthy, exercise regularly and monitor your blood levels regularly.
- Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
- Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor first as it may cause worsening of symptoms.
Frequently asked questions for Quetiapine
Quetiapine
Q. What does Quetiapine do to the brain?
Quetiapine helps to correct chemical imbalances in the brain. It acts on various chemical messengers in the brain like dopamine and serotonin. It prevents the excessive activity of dopamine, helping to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and mania.
Q. Is Quetiapine a sleeping pill?
Quetiapine can make you feel sleepy, but it is not used as a sleeping pill. Quetiapine is approved for the treatment of symptoms of schizophrenia. It prevents as well as treats episodes of mania and depression in bipolar disorder. It is also used with other medicines to treat depression.
Q. How long does Quetiapine take to work?
You may start seeing an improvement within a week of starting Quetiapine but full benefits may take about 4-6 weeks to appear.
Q. Is Quetiapine good for anxiety?
Quetiapine has not been approved for the treatment of anxiety; however, your doctor may prescribe it for anxiety. Some studies suggest its use in post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and anxiety associated with mood disorders.
Q. What should I avoid while taking Quetiapine?
Quetiapine can cause drowsiness. So, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything dangerous until you know how Quetiapine affects you. Do not drink alcohol while taking Quetiapine as it may worsen the drowsiness. Avoid getting dehydrated or over-exposure to heat.
Q. Can I stop taking Quetiapine if I am better now?
No, you should not stop taking Quetiapine without consulting your doctor. Suddenly stopping it may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, irritability and inability to sleep. If you feel better, consult your doctor who will gradually reduce the dose before completely stopping it.
Q. Can Quetiapine cause weight gain?
Yes, weight gain is a common side effect of Quetiapine. If you feel you are gaining weight, consult your doctor or a nutritionist who will suggest you a diet and some exercise to help you manage your weight.
Q. How should Quetiapine be taken?
Take Quetiapine exactly as advised by your doctor. Do not split, chew or crush the tablets. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not take it with food. It is advised to take this medicine for at least one hour before a meal or at bedtime. Do not take grapefruit while taking Quetiapine as it may affect the working of this medicine.