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Introduction of
Quetiapine fumarate
Quetiapine fumarate
is prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia, a mental
disorder marked by delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations,
disrupted thinking, and loss of contact with reality. It is
also used for the short-term treatment of mania associated
with bipolar disorder.
Quetiapine fumarate is the first in a new class of
antipsychotic medications. Researchers believe that it works
by diminishing the action of dopamine and serotonin, two of
the brain's chief chemical messengers.
Most important fact about Quetiapine fumarate
Quetiapine fumarate may cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition
characterized by uncontrollable muscle spasms and twitches in
the face and body. This problem can be permanent, and appears
to be most common among older adults, especially women.
How should you take Quetiapine fumarate
Your doctor will increase your dose gradually until the drug
takes effect. If you stop Quetiapine fumarate for more than 1
week, you'll need to build up to your ideal dosage once again.
Side effects of Quetiapine fumarate
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change
in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only
your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue
taking Quetiapine fumarate.
More common side effects may include
Abdominal pain, constipation, diminished movement, dizziness,
drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive muscle tone, headache,
indigestion, low blood pressure (especially upon standing),
nasal inflammation, neck rigidity, rapid or irregular
heartbeat, rash, sleepiness, tremor, uncontrollable movements,
weakness
Why should Quetiapine fumarate not be prescribed
If Quetiapine fumarate gives you an allergic reaction, you
will not be able to use Quetiapine fumarate.
Special warnings about Quetiapine fumarate
Call your doctor immediately if you develop muscle stiffness,
confusion, irregular or rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating,
and high fever. These are signs of Neuroleptic Malignant
Syndrome (NMS), a serious--and potentially fatal--reaction to
the drug. Be especially wary if you have a history of heart
attack, heart disease, heart failure, circulation problems, or
irregular heartbeat.
Particularly during the first few days of therapy, Quetiapine
fumarate can cause low blood pressure, with accompanying
dizziness, fainting, and rapid heartbeat. To minimize these
effects, your doctor will increase your dose gradually. If you
are prone to low blood pressure, take blood pressure
medication, or become dehydrated, use Quetiapine fumarate with
caution.
Quetiapine fumarate also tends to cause drowsiness, especially
at the start of therapy, and can impair your judgment,
thinking, and motor skills. Until you are certain of the
drug's effect, use caution when operating machinery or driving
a car.
Certain antipsychotic drugs, including Quetiapine fumarate,
are associated with an increased risk of developing high blood
sugar, which on rare occasions has led to coma or death. See
your doctor right away if you develop signs of high blood
sugar, including dry mouth, unusual thirst, increased
urination, and tiredness. If you have diabetes or have a high
risk of developing it, see your doctor regularly for blood
sugar testing.
People at high risk of suicide attempts should be prescribed
the lowest dose possible to reduce the risk of intentional
overdose.
Quetiapine fumarate should be used cautiously in older people
and those with Alzheimer's disease. Antipsychotic drug
treatment has been associated with swallowing and breathing
problems in these patients.
Animal studies suggest that Quetiapine fumarate may increase
the risk of breast cancer, although human studies have not
confirmed such a risk. If you have a history of breast cancer,
see your doctor regularly for checkups.
If you are having problems with your vision, tell your doctor.
There is a chance that Quetiapine fumarate may cause
cataracts, and you may be asked to see an eye doctor when you
start Quetiapine fumarate therapy, and every 6 months
thereafter.
Quetiapine fumarate poses a very slight risk of seizures,
especially if you are over 65, or have epilepsy or Alzheimer's
disease. The drug can also suppress an underactive thyroid,
and generally causes a minor increase in cholesterol levels.
There is also a remote chance that it will trigger a prolonged
and painful erection.
Other antipsychotic medications have been known to interfere
with the body's temperature-regulating mechanism, causing
patients to overheat. Although this problem has not occurred
with Quetiapine fumarate, caution is still advisable. Avoid
exposure to extreme heat, strenuous exercise, and dehydration.
Quetiapine fumarate is prescribed for the short-term treatment
of rapid-onset bipolar mania; it is not approved for
preventing future episodes. The effectiveness of the drug for
treating mania for more than 3 weeks has not been studied.
The safety and effectiveness of Quetiapine fumarate have not
been studied in children.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Quetiapine
fumarate
Quetiapine fumarate increases the effects of alcohol. Avoid
alcoholic beverages while on Quetiapine fumarate therapy.
If Quetiapine fumarate is taken with certain other drugs, the
effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered.
It is especially important to check with your doctor before
combining Quetiapine fumarate with the following:
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Levodopa (Laradopa, Sinemet)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane)
Steroid medications such as hydrocortisone and prednisone
Thioridazine (Mellaril)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The possibility of harm to a developing baby has not been
ruled out. You should take Quetiapine fumarate during
pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh this potential risk.
Notify your doctor as soon as you become pregnant or decide to
become pregnant.
It is not known whether Quetiapine fumarate appears in breast
milk, and breastfeeding is not recommended.
Disclaimer:
Information on this page is provided for general
information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment
decision based on information contained in this page without
consulting other references including the package insert of
the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We
cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in
administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any
erroneous information contained on this page.
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