Quetiapine tablets
Quetiapine tablets
What is this medicine?
QUETIAPINE (kwe TYE a peen) is an antipsychotic. It is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Swallow it with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If it upsets your stomach you can take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Patients over age 65 years may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
changes in vision
difficulty swallowing
elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior
eye pain
redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
restlessness, pacing, inability to keep still
seizures
signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast, irregular heartbeat; palpitations; feeling faint or lightheaded; falls; breathing problems
signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as dizziness; dry mouth; dry skin; fruity breath; nausea; stomach pain; increased hunger; increased thirst; increased urination
signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism like fatigue; increased sensitivity to cold; weight gain; hoarseness; thinning hair
signs and symptoms of infection like fever; chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine
signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded; falls; unusually weak or tired
signs and symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) like confusion; fast, irregular heartbeat; high fever; increased sweating; stiff muscles
signs and symptoms of a stroke like changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination
signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, like uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements
suicidal thoughts, mood changes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
change in sex drive or performance
constipation
drowsiness
dry mouth
upset stomach
weight gain
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
cisapride
dofetilide
dronedarone
fluconazole
metoclopramide
pimozide
posaconazole
thioridazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol
antihistamines for allergy cough and cold
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
atropine
certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine
certain medicines for blood pressure
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
certain medicines for diabetes
certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine
certain medicines for Parkinson's disease
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
cimetidine
erythromycin
ipratropium
other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
rifampin
steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
blockage in your bowel
cataracts
constipation
dehydration
diabetes
difficulty swallowing
glaucoma
heart disease
history of breast cancer
kidney disease
liver disease
low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
low blood pressure or dizziness when standing up
Parkinson's disease
previous heart attack
prostate disease
seizures
stomach or intestine problems
suicidal thoughts, plans or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
thyroid disease
trouble passing urine
an unusual or allergic reaction to quetiapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine.
Your health care provider may suggest that you have your eyes examined prior to starting this medicine, and every 6 months thereafter.
If you have been taking this medicine regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or your symptoms may get worse. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.
Patients and their families should watch out for worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of antidepressant treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.
You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not treat yourself for colds, diarrhea or allergies. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice, some ingredients may increase possible side effects.
This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Dress warm in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise.
Updated:  
December 14, 2018