Antidepressant Seroquel

Seroquel also known as quetiapine is an antipsychotic drug. It is very portent drug that is used for the treatment of schizophrenia.

Mode of Action of Seroquel (Quetiapine)

Seroquel (Quetiapine) changes the action of the various chemicals that are present in our brain.

Uses of Seroquel (Quetiapine)

Seroquel (Quetiapine) is used in treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.

• It is used in the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.
• It is used in the treatment of schizophrenia in children who are above 13 years of age.
• It is sued in the treatment of manic depressions (bipolar disorder) in adults.
• It is sued in the treatment of manic depressions (bipolar disorder) in children who above 10 years of age.
• It is also used in conjunction with antidepressant drugs in the treatment of major depressive disorders in adults.
• Extended release Seroquel- XR is used strictly in adults. It is strictly restricted in the people who are less than 18 years of age.

How to Use Seroquel (Quetiapine)

This medicine can be taken with food or without food. Take it with a glass full of water. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water. Do not chew, break or crush the extended- release tablets. Do not take Seroquel (Quetiapine) in high doses. Take it just as recommended by your doctor. Do not use it for longer duration of time as it might cause movement disorders that can cause symptoms like uncontrollable movements of muscles and tremors.

Side- effects of Seroquel (Quetiapine)

Like all the other drugs, Seroquel (Quetiapine) too comes with a set of side- effects. Some of the side- effects are common and not very serious while there are some side-effects that can be serious. The common side- effects of Seroquel (Quetiapine) include:

• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Trouble in movements
• Weight gain
• Increased appetite
• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Constipation
• Stomach pain

There are some very serious side- effects of this drug too. They require immediate medical assistance. The serious side effects of Seroquel (Quetiapine) include:

• Twitching of muscles or uncontrollable movements of face, lips, eyes, tongue, arms and legs.
• Mask like face appearance of the face
• Problems in speech
• Trouble in swallowing
• Light- headed feeling
• Tunnel vision, blurred vision, halos around the light, pain in eyes
• High level of blood sugar leading to increased urination, increased thirst, increased hunger, fruit like odour from mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness, weight loss, dry mouth
• Sever reactions of nervous system like rigidity of muscles, high grade fever, confusion, sweating, uneven or faster heartbeat, fainting, tremor
• Low count of blood cell causing ill feeling, weakness, fever, flu or cold, chills, cough, swollen or red gums, sore throat, mouth sores, trouble in breathing, skin sores

Pregnancy and Breast- feeding

If you are pregnant, you must consult your doctor before taking Seroquel (Quetiapine). If you are a lactating mother, you must discontinue the use of Seroquel (Quetiapine). It is contraindicated for the mother who breast- feed their child.