Quetiapine
Information about Quetiapine
Quetiapine uses
Quetiapine is used in the treatment of schizophrenia and mania.
How quetiapine works
Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic. It works by modulating the action of certain chemical messengers in the brain that affect thoughts.
Common side effects of quetiapine
Dizziness, Weight gain, Dryness in mouth, Extrapyramidal symptoms, Sleepiness, Blurred vision, Constipation, Cough, ECG changes, Fatigue, High blood pressure, Increased liver enzymes, Joint pain, Nausea, Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing), Dyslipidemia, Fast heart rate, Decreased hemoglobin, Breathlessness, Muscle pain, Neuropsychiatric symptoms, Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, Diabetic ketoacidosis, Suicidal behaviors
Available Medicine for Quetiapine
Expert advice for Quetiapine
- You have been prescribed Quetiapine for the treatment of schizophrenia and mania.
- It is less likely to cause heart problems and movement disorders than other antipsychotics.
- It may take 4 to 6 weeks to see treatment effects. Keep taking it as prescribed.
- Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Quetiapine can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
- To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
- It may increase your weight, blood sugar and cholesterol. Eat healthy, exercise regularly and monitor your blood levels regularly.
- Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
- Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor first as it may cause worsening of symptoms.
Frequently asked questions for Quetiapine
Quetiapine
Q. What does Quetiapine do to the brain?
Quetiapine helps to correct chemical imbalances in the brain. It acts on various chemical messengers in the brain like dopamine and serotonin. It prevents the excessive activity of dopamine, helping to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and mania.
Q. Is Quetiapine a sleeping pill?
Quetiapine can make you feel sleepy, but it is not used as a sleeping pill. Quetiapine is approved for the treatment of symptoms of schizophrenia. It prevents as well as treats episodes of mania and depression in bipolar disorder. It is also used with other medicines to treat depression.
Q. How long does Quetiapine take to work?
You may start seeing an improvement within a week of starting Quetiapine but full benefits may take about 4-6 weeks to appear.