Can you give me some info on Seroquel?

Hello, I take seroquel..it is not addictive at all.

Information

Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) is a prescription medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The drug is manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.

Seroquel belongs to a group of medications called atypical (or second-generation) antipsychotic medications. It is not entirely known how Seroquel works in the treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, it is known that the medication blocks or lessens the effects of several chemicals in the brain. These chemicals (such as dopamine and serotonin) may be elevated in people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression).

This medication is not a cure for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. It only helps to control symptoms.

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In previous clinical studies of Seroquel for the treatment of schizophrenia, people taking the drug experienced improvement in their schizophrenia symptoms (including hallucinations and suspiciousness) when compared to those not taking the drug.

Previous clinical studies have also shown it to be effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder. In these studies, the drug was effective for treating episodes of mania or depression and also helped prevent symptoms of bipolar disorder from returning. For bipolar depression episodes, Seroquel reduced suicidal thinking and improved the overall quality of life. For bipolar mania episodes, it helped to decrease the manic symptoms.

General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:

Seroquel comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth one to three times a day. If you are taking the medication once a day, it is usually best to take it at bedtime.

You can take the medication with or without food. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.

It should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain even levels in your blood.

For the drug to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.

The dosage that your Doctor recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:

The medical condition being treated
The severity of your condition
Other medical conditions you may have
Other medications you may be currently taking.

Common side effects include

Drowsiness
Dry mouth
High triglycerides
Weight gain
Headaches
Agitation
Dizziness
High cholesterol
Fatigue
Weakness
Constipation

Some other common side effects

Indigestion or heartburn
Nausea
Vomiting
Increased appetite
Lethargy
Nasal congestion
Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
Back pain
Shakiness (tremor)
Irritability
Joint pain
Sore throat
Fever
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Irritated or runny nose
Vision problems.

Serious Seroquel Side Effects which must be reported asap.

Signs of diabetes, such as high blood sugar, increased thirst, frequent urination, or extreme hunger
Large or rapid weight gain
Suicidal thoughts
Dizziness or fainting when going from a sitting or lying-down position to standing
Feelings of internal restless or jitteriness
Any abnormal muscle movements (these abnormal movements can become permanent if Seroquel is not stopped quickly)
Signs or symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which can include:

A high fever
Stiff muscles
Confusion
Irregular pulse or blood pressure
An increased heart rate (tachycardia)
Sweating
Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

Signs of an allergic reaction, including:

Unexplained rash
Hives
Itching
Unexplained swelling
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Rare Seroquel Side Effects

Anemia
Vertigo (a spinning sensation)
Increased or decreased sex drive
Teeth grinding
Neck pain
Yeast infection
Increased salivation
Gas
Hemorrhoids
Canker sores
Migraine headaches
Cough
Eczema
Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction or ED
Dry eyes
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Low thyroid (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

Seroquel tablets are available in the following strengths:

Seroquel 25 mg
50 mg
100 mg
200 mg
300 mg
400 mg.

I hope the information listed above helps you.

Seroquel is to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions). Quetiapine tablets and extended-release tablets are also used alone or with other medications to treat or prevent episodes of mania (frenzied, abnormally excited or irritated mood) or depression in patients with bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). Quetiapine extended-release tablets are also used along with other medications to treat depression. Quetiapine tablets may be used as part of a treatment program to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in children. Quetiapine is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.

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Take quetiapine at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take quetiapine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of quetiapine and gradually increase your dose during the first week of your treatment

It may take several weeks or longer for you to feel the full benefit of quetiapine. Continue to take quetiapine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking quetiapine without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking quetiapine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Your doctor will probably want to decrease your dose gradually.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

You should know that quetiapine may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery and take precautions to avoid falls until you know how this medication affects you.

You should know that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication. Do not drink alcohol while taking quetiapine.

Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms while you are taking quetiapine: extreme thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, blurred vision, or weakness. It is very important to call your doctor as soon as you have any of these symptoms, because high blood sugar can cause a serious condition called ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis may become life-threatening if it is not treated at an early stage. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include: dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, breath that smells fruity, and decreased consciousness.
You should know that quetiapine may make it harder for your body to cool down when it gets very hot. While you are taking quetiapine, you should avoid excessive exercise, stay inside as much as possible and dress lightly in hot weather, stay out of the sun, and drink plenty of fluids.
You should know that quetiapine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking quetiapine and when your dose is increased. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.

Be sure to drink plenty of water every day while you are taking this medication.

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

drowsiness

dizziness

pain in the joints, back, neck, or ears

weakness

dry mouth

indigestion

constipation

gas

stomach pain or swelling

increased appetite

excessive weight gain

stuffy nose

headache

irritability

difficulty thinking or concentrating

difficulty speaking or using language

loss of coordination

unusual dreams

numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms or legs

missed menstrual periods

breast enlargement in males

discharge from the breasts

decreased sexual desire or ability

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING or SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:

fainting

seizures

changes in vision

uncontrollable movements of your arms, legs, tongue, face, or lips

painful erection of the penis that lasts for hours

fever

muscle stiffness, pain, or weakness

excess sweating

fast or irregular heartbeat

confusion

unusual bleeding or bruising

sore throat, fever, chills, difficult or painful urination and other signs of infection

hives

rash

blisters

tightening of the neck muscles or the throat

tongue sticking out

difficulty breathing or swallowing

Quetiapine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

You will need to have eye exams to check for cataracts at the beginning of your treatment and every six months during your treatment.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Symptoms of overdose may include:

drowsiness

dizziness

fainting

fast heartbeat

Thank you for asking this question, johnsont! I learned a lot about this med. I took it years ago and the only side affect I had was weight gain. Otherwise, it was a wonder med.

I pray you find the answers to your questions. The people on this site are very informative and we will help you in any way we can.

Take care, johnsont!

pickles503 (Anna)