Quetiapine tablets
What do quetiapine tablets do?
QUETIAPINE (Seroquel(R)) helps to treat schizophrenia. Quetiapine can help you to keep in touch with reality and reduce your mental problems. Generic quetiapine tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take quetiapine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• an alcohol abuse problem
• brain tumor or head injury
• breast cancer
• cataracts
• difficulty swallowing
• heart, kidney, or liver disease
• Parkinson's disease
• previous heart attack
• seizures (convulsions)
• thyroid problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to quetiapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take quetiapine tablets by mouth with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If quetiapine upsets your stomach you can take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Patients over age 65 years may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with quetiapine?
• alcohol
• "azole" medicines, such as fluconazole, ketoconazole, or itraconazole
• barbiturates
• carbamazepine
• cimetidine (Tagamet(R))
• erythromycin
• levodopa
• lorazepam
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• oxcarbazepine
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• thioridazine
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking quetiapine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• difficulty swallowing
• severe weakness
• fainting spells
• inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs
• loss of balance or difficulty walking
• rash
• restlessness or need to keep moving
• seizures
• stiff muscles
• sexual difficulties
More common:
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation
• drowsiness or dizziness
• dry mouth
• nausea
• runny nose
• stomach pain
• unusual tiredness
• weight gain