Brand name:SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel )
Pronounced: SER-oh-kwell
Generic name: Quetiapine fumarate
Why is SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) prescribed?

SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) is prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia, a mental disorder marked by delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations, disrupted thinking, and loss of contact with reality. It is also used for the short-term treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder.

SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) is the first in a new class of antipsychotic medications. Researchers believe that it works by diminishing the action of dopamine and serotonin, two of the brain's chief chemical messengers.
Most important fact about SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel )

SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) may cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition characterized by uncontrollable muscle spasms and twitches in the face and body. This problem can be permanent, and appears to be most common among older adults, especially women.
How should you take SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel )?

Your doctor will increase your dose gradually until the drug takes effect. If you stop SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) for more than 1 week, you'll need to build up to your ideal dosage once again.

If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.
SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ).

* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, constipation, diminished movement, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive muscle tone, headache, indigestion, low blood pressure (especially upon standing), nasal inflammation, neck rigidity, rapid or irregular heartbeat, rash, sleepiness, tremor, uncontrollable movements, weakness

Why should SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) not be prescribed?

If SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) gives you an allergic reaction, you will not be able to use SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ).
Special warnings about SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel )

Call your doctor immediately if you develop muscle stiffness, confusion, irregular or rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, and high fever. These are signs of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a serious--and potentially fatal--reaction to the drug. Be especially wary if you have a history of heart attack, heart disease, heart failure, circulation problems, or irregular heartbeat.

Particularly during the first few days of therapy, SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) can cause low blood pressure, with accompanying dizziness, fainting, and rapid heartbeat. To minimize these effects, your doctor will increase your dose gradually. If you are prone to low blood pressure, take blood pressure medication, or become dehydrated, use SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) with caution.

SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) also tends to cause drowsiness, especially at the start of therapy, and can impair your judgment, thinking, and motor skills. Until you are certain of the drug's effect, use caution when operating machinery or driving a car.Certain antipsychotic drugs, including SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ), are associated with an increased risk of developing high blood sugar, which on rare occasions has led to coma or death. See your doctor right away if you develop signs of high blood sugar, including dry mouth, unusual thirst, increased urination, and tiredness. If you have diabetes or have a high risk of developing it, see your doctor regularly for blood sugar testing.People at high risk of suicide attempts should be prescribed the lowest dose possible to reduce the risk of intentional overdose.SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) should be used cautiously in older people and those with Alzheimer's disease. Antipsychotic drug treatment has been associated with swallowing and breathing problems in these patients.Animal studies suggest that SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) may increase the risk of breast cancer, although human studies have not confirmed such a risk. If you have a history of breast cancer, see your doctor regularly for checkups.If you are having problems with your vision, tell your doctor. There is a chance that SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) may cause cataracts, and you may be asked to see an eye doctor when you start SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) therapy, and every 6 months thereafter.

SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) poses a very slight risk of seizures, especially if you are over 65, or have epilepsy or Alzheimer's disease. The drug can also suppress an underactive thyroid, and generally causes a minor increase in cholesterol levels. There is also a remote chance that it will trigger a prolonged and painful erection.Other antipsychotic medications have been known to interfere with the body's temperature-regulating mechanism, causing patients to overheat. Although this problem has not occurred with SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ), caution is still advisable. Avoid exposure to extreme heat, strenuous exercise, and dehydration.SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) is prescribed for the short-term treatment of rapid-onset bipolar mania; it is not approved for preventing future episodes. The effectiveness of the drug for treating mania for more than 3 weeks has not been studied.The safety and effectiveness of SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) have not been studied in children.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel )

SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) increases the effects of alcohol. Avoid alcoholic beverages while on SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) therapy.

If SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) with the following:

Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Levodopa (Laradopa, Sinemet)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane)
Steroid medications such as hydrocortisone and prednisone
Thioridazine (Mellaril)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The possibility of harm to a developing baby has not been ruled out. You should take SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh this potential risk. Notify your doctor as soon as you become pregnant or decide to become pregnant.

It is not known whether SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) appears in breast milk, and breastfeeding is not recommended.
Recommended dosage for SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel )

SCHIZOPHRENIA
Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.

* Symptoms of SEROQUIN ( Quetiapine Fumerate , Generic Seroquel ) overdose may include:
Dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, rapid heartbeat