Generic Seroquel, Quetiapine

Quetiapine is used in the treatment of schizophrenia, mania or depression.

Quetiapine is known as an antipsychotic. Quetiapine works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain which effect thoughts and mood. Quetiapine works on the balance of chemical substances in the brain.

Some of the potential side effects of Quetiapine can include the symptoms below;

Headache,
Parkinsons,
Akathisia,
Dizziness,
Decreased haemoglobin level in blood,
Dystonia,
Sleepiness,
Weight gain,
Increased triglyceride level in blood.

Seroquel is a dibenzothiazepine derivative that is used to treat symptoms of psychosis and schizophrenia. This is a psychotropic drug. This medicine works by simply changing the chemical actions of the brain. Primarily, this drug therapy is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder manic type. Sun Pharma Incorporated manufactures this medicine. Quetiapine fumarate is the generic name of the drug. Popular trade names or brand names include Qutah and Seroqin.

Quetiapine fumarate is the main component of this drug. The molecular weight of the drug is 883.11. It is a crystalline powder that is off-white to white in color. It is a moderately water-soluble component. Inactive components of this drug are sodium starch glycolate, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, povidone, and lactose monohydrate.

This medicine is used as a synergistic drug for the treatment of depressed patients who have major depressive disorders. It is also prescribed for bipolar disorder of depressive type, bipolar disorder or mixed and manic type, and schizophrenia in adult and adolescents.

This drug can be taken on a full or empty stomach. For schizophrenic patients, the initial dosage would be 25 mg two times a day. It can gradually be increased to 50 mg two times a day or even three times a day. For adolescent patients 13-year-old to 17 years old Seroquel is to be given two to three times a day depending on the tolerance of the treatment. For bipolar disorder patients, the recommended dosage is 50 mg of Seroquel on the first day, 100 mg on the second day, 200 mg on the third day, and 300 mg on the fourth day. The tablet is supplied in different strength. The strength varies from 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg.

This drug is not allowed to be consumed by patients with known hypersensitivity reaction to quetiapine fumarate. Other than that, there is no further study made as of yet to determine contradicting factors in using this medication.

Extra precaution should be taken by patients with psychosis type of dementia. Patients with major depressive disorder should be watched for any signs of worsening depression as studies showed that patient with depressive disorder can have worse symptoms while taking this medication. Be watchful also for few signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Most of the patient under the Seroquel regimen has experienced headache. Most of the patients are tolerable to the Seroquel ; however, there are still reported cases of side effects such as drying of the mouth, easy fatigability, agitation, weakness, dizziness, grogginess, elevation in the triglyceride level, nausea with or without vomiting, pain in the abdomen, tremors, drooling out of saliva, joint and muscle pain, vision problems, lethargy, and confusion. Seek medical attention right away if any serious side effects are being felt such as chilling, chest tightness, swelling of the eyes, lips, and other parts of the face, tingling or burning sensation, difficulty speaking and swallowing, involuntary jerking movement, muscle twitching, and inability to be still.

Store the medication at a room temperature. Keep the drug away from heat, light, and moisture. Always check the expiration date, once expired dispose of the medication immediately. Do not keep the drug in the bathroom.