Quetiapine

💊 What is Quetiapine used for?

• •Schizophrenia in adults and in people ages 13 to 17
• •Manic or mixed episodes linked to bipolar I disorder, alone or with lithium or divalproex
• •Depressive episodes linked to bipolar disorder
• •Long-term (maintenance) treatment of bipolar I disorder, with lithium or divalproex
• •Manic episodes linked to bipolar I disorder in children ages 10 to 17
• •Add-on treatment for major depressive disorder when one antidepressant alone is not enough

How it works

How it is usually taken

• •Swallow the tablet whole. The label says not to split, chew, or crush it.
• •The label says it can be taken without food or with a light meal (about 300 calories).
• •It is meant to be taken once a day, preferably in the evening.
• •The label says doses are adjusted over time based on how the person responds and tolerates the medicine. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

• •50 mg extended-release tablets (peach, capsule-shaped)
• •150 mg extended-release tablets (white, capsule-shaped)
• •200 mg extended-release tablets (yellow, capsule-shaped)
• •300 mg extended-release tablets (pale yellow, capsule-shaped)
• •400 mg extended-release tablets (white, capsule-shaped)

⚠️ Quetiapine side effects

🛑 Who should not take Quetiapine, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You are allergic to quetiapine or any ingredient in the tablet. The label lists the ingredients at the end of the Medication Guide.
• 🚨The label reports that anaphylactic reactions (severe allergic reactions) have happened in patients taking this medicine.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had diabetes or high blood sugar, in you or your family. The label says blood sugar should be checked before starting and during treatment.
• •High cholesterol or triglycerides, or low HDL cholesterol
• •Low or high blood pressure
• •Low white blood cell count
• •Cataracts
• •Seizures
• •Abnormal thyroid tests
• •High prolactin levels
• •Heart problems or liver problems
• •Any other medical condition, or pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
• •Tell your provider about all medicines and supplements you take, and keep a list to show them.

🔀 Quetiapine with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole or ritonavir: the label says the dose needs to be lowered a lot when these are taken with quetiapine.
• •Strong CYP3A4 inducers, such as phenytoin, rifampin, or St. John's wort: the label says the dose may need to be raised, and when the inducer is stopped, the dose may need to be lowered again within 7 to 14 days.
• •Other drugs that act on the brain (centrally acting drugs): the label says to use caution.
• •Alcohol: quetiapine increased the thinking and movement effects of alcohol in a clinical trial. The label says alcoholic drinks should be limited.
• •Antidepressant medicines can interact with quetiapine. Do not start new medicines without first checking with your healthcare provider.

Alcohol and food

Limit alcohol while taking this medicine. The label says it can be taken without food or with a light meal of about 300 calories.

🤰 Quetiapine in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says it is not known if quetiapine will harm an unborn baby. Animal studies showed embryo-fetal harm at doses around the maximum recommended human dose. Human studies have not shown a drug-linked risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other problems, but the label notes that babies exposed during the third trimester may have movement or withdrawal symptoms after birth. The label also notes that untreated mental illness carries risks for the mother. There is a pregnancy registry for atypical antipsychotics (1-866-961-2388). If you become pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about registering.

Breastfeeding

The label does not say.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label does not say.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says survival has been reported after acute overdoses of up to 30 grams, and that death has been reported after an overdose of quetiapine alone. Signs of overdose come from exaggerated drug effects: drowsiness, sedation, fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, and anticholinergic toxicity, including coma and delirium. People with severe heart disease may be at higher risk. If an overdose is suspected, get emergency medical help right away.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Quetiapine

• Is quetiapine the right choice for my condition, and what should I expect in the first few weeks?
• How will you check my blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure while I take this?
• Do any of my other medicines or supplements, like St. John's wort or antibiotics or antifungals, interact with quetiapine?
• What should I do if I miss a dose, and how should I handle it if I feel very sleepy or dizzy?
• Should I get regular eye exams for cataracts, and how often should I have blood counts checked?
• What warning signs about my mood or thoughts should I call you about right away?
• If I plan to become pregnant or am breastfeeding, what should I know about this medicine?

❓ Quetiapine: frequently asked questions