Quetiapine belongs to the class of medications known as antipsychotics. It is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It works by affecting the actions of certain chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Quetiapine is usually started with a low dose in order to allow the body to get used to it.

The usual recommended starting dose for schizophrenia is 25 mg twice daily. This dose is increased as tolerated to a target dose of 150 mg twice daily. For manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, the recommended starting dose is 50 mg twice daily. This dose is increased as tolerated up to 400 mg twice daily. Most people respond to doses between 200 mg and 400 mg twice daily. Different people will need different doses, and your doctor will prescribe the dose for you that best meets your needs. Quetiapine can be taken with or without food.

If you miss a dose of quetiapine, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed on

It is important to take this medication every day as your doctor told you to ensure that you are getting the maximum benefit from the medication. Do not stop taking this medication, or change the time of the day you take it, without consulting your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Quetiapine should be stored at normal room temperature and in a dry place.

Seroquel is available as a tablet in strengths of 25 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg.

25 mg: Each peach-coloured, round tablet marked with "SEROQUEL" and "25" on one side contains 25 mg of quetiapine.

100 mg: Each yellow round tablet marked with "SEROQUEL" and "100" on one side contains 100 mg of quetiapine.

200 mg: Each white round tablet marked with "SEROQUEL" and "200" on one side contains 200 mg of quetiapine.

300 mg: Each white capsule-shaped tablet marked with "SEROQUEL" and "300" on one side contains 300 mg of quetiapine.

Nonmedicinal ingredients: povidone, calcium hydrogen phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, hydryoxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, yellow ferric oxide (25 mg and 100 mg tablets only) and red ferric oxide (25 mg tablets only).

This product contains lactose. This product does not contain gluten or yeast.

Quetiapine should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to quetiapine or any of the ingredients of the product.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your health professional. They may be able to help you to deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medication; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

Common
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• indigestion
• lightheadedness

Less common or rare
• abdominal pain
• constipation
• feeling of fast or irregular heartbeat
• headache
• stuffy or runny nose
• upset stomach
• weight gain

See your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur.

Rare
• convulsions (seizures)
• difficult or unusually fast breathing
• high fever
• increased sweating
• loss of bladder control
• severe muscle stiffness
• unusually pale skin
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur.

Less common
• fever, chills, muscle aches, or sore throat
• loss of balance control
• mask-like face
• shuffling walk
• skin rash
• slowed movements
• stiffness of arms or legs
• swelling of feet or lower legs
• trembling and shaking of hands and fingers
• trouble in breathing, speaking, or swallowing

Rare
• fainting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some people. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Be sure to inform your physician of all your medical conditions before you begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this medication.

Blood cholesterol: There is a risk of developing an increase in blood cholesterol level.

Cataracts: Changes in the lens of the eye may develop with a long-term use of quetiapine. Regular eye exams are recommended before and after treatment with this medication.

Diabetes: A risk of aggravating pre-existing diabetes has been linked to quetiapine and other antipsychotic medications. If you have diabetes, discuss this link with your doctor.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Caution should be exercised when performing activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating hazardous equipment.

Heart conditions: Quetiapine should be used with caution by people with heart conditions such as angina, heart failure, and irregular heartbeat, or in people who have had a heart attack.

Liver and kidney disorders: People with moderate or severe liver or kidney failure should use quetiapine with caution.

Movement disorders: There is a risk of developing tardive dyskinesia (TD), a condition where repetitive, uncontrollable, purposeless movements, such as grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, puckering, rapid eye blinking, rapid movements of the arms, legs, and body trunk. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): A risk of developing this condition has been associated with antipsychotic drugs, including quetiapine. If you experience increased sweating and feeling of warmth, muscle stiffness, emotional and behavioural changes or irregular heartbeat, contact your doctor immediately. People taking this medications should take care to avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated.

Seizures: Quetiapine and other antipsychotic medications should be used with caution by people who have a history of epileptic seizures.

Seniors: Seniors should use quetiapine with caution.

Pregnancy: The safety of quetiapine use during pregnancy is not known. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Quetiapine should only be used during pregnancy if the doctor decides that the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks.

Breast-feeding: It is not known whether quetiapine passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while taking quetiapine unless your doctor decides that the benefits of the medication outweigh the potential risks to the child.

Children and adolescents: The safety and efficacy of this medication in children under 18 years of age have not been established.

The following may affect how quetiapine works, be affected by the drug, or increase the risk of side effects:

• alcohol
• antihypertensives (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil)
• barbiturates
• carbamazepine
• clarithromycin
• divalproex
• erythromycin
• levodopa and dopamine antagonists
• ketoconazole
• nefazodone
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• thioridazine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, decongestants, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.