Quetiapine and Alcohol/Food Interactions

Quetiapine has been reported to potentiate the cognitive and motor effects of alcohol. The mechanism of the interaction is not known. Alcohol should be avoided by patients who are receiving quetiapine.

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atypical antipsychotic agents - hyperglycemia/diabetes

Hyperglycemia, in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma or death, has been reported with the use of atypical antipsychotic agents. Patients with diabetes should be monitored for worsening control of blood glucose when treated with these agents. It is recommended that patients with risk factors for diabetes mellitus starting treatment with atypical antipsychotics should undergo fasting blood glucose testing at the beginning of treatment, and periodically thereafter. Any patient treated with atypical antipsychotics should be monitored for symptoms of hyperglycemia including polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weakness. Patients who develop symptoms of hyperglycemia during treatment with atypical antipsychotics should undergo fasting blood glucose testing. In some cases, hyperglycemia has resolved when treatment with these agents was discontinued; however, some patients required continuation of anti-diabetic treatment despite discontinuation of the atypical antipsychotic drug.

atypical antipsychotic agents - lipid alterations

Atypical antipsychotic drugs have been associated with undesirable alterations in lipid levels. While all agents in the class have been shown to produce some changes, each drug has its own specific risk profile. Before or soon after initiation of antipsychotic medications, a fasting lipid profile should be obtained at baseline and monitored periodically during treatment.

atypical antipsychotic agents - weight gain

Weight gain has been observed with atypical antipsychotic use. While all agents in the class have been shown to produce some changes, each drug has its own specific risk profile. When treating pediatric patients with atypical antipsychotic agents, weight gain should be monitored and assessed against that expected for normal growth. Monitor weight at baseline and frequently thereafter.

quetiapine - hyperlipidemia

According to the manufacturer, patients treated with quetiapine in 3- to 6-week placebo-controlled trials had increases in cholesterol and triglyceride of 11% and 17%, respectively, compared to slight decreases in the placebo group. Patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia may require closer monitoring during quetiapine therapy, and adjustments made accordingly in their lipid-lowering regimen.

quetiapine - increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure

The use of quetiapine may be associated with in increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure in children and adolescents. During the 26 week open-label clinical trial, one child with a reported history of hypertension experienced a hypertensive crisis. Blood pressure in children and adolescents should be measured at the beginning of, and periodically during treatment with quetiapine.