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Seroquel

(quetiapine)

In this factsheet:
• How does Seroquel work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Seroquel?
• What form(s) does Seroquel come in?
• Who should NOT take Seroquel?
• What side effects are possible with Seroquel?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Seroquel?
• What other drugs could interact with Seroquel?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

What side effects are possible with Seroquel?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• feeling of fast or irregular heartbeat
• headache
• indigestion
• lightheadedness
• stuffy or runny nose
• upset stomach
• weight gain

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal pain
• convulsions (seizures)
• difficult or unusually fast breathing
• fever, chills, muscle aches, or sore throat
• increased sweating
• loss of balance control
• loss of bladder control
• severe muscle stiffness
• skin rash
• slowed movements
• swelling of feet or lower legs
• trembling and shaking of hands and fingers
• unusually pale skin
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• fainting
• seizures (e.g., loss of consciousness with uncontrollable shaking)
• symptoms of an allergic reaction (shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; hives; swelling of the eyes, mouth, lips, or throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Seroquel?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Blood cholesterol: There is a risk of developing an increase in blood cholesterol levels. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Cataracts: Changes in the lens of the eye may develop with a long-term use of quetiapine. Regular eye exams are recommended before and after treatment with this medication.

Diabetes: A risk of aggravating preexisting diabetes has been linked to quetiapine and other antipsychotic medications. If you have diabetes, discuss this link with your doctor. People with diabetes or people at risk for diabetes (e.g., family history of diabetes, obesity) should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Caution should be exercised when performing activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating hazardous equipment.

Heart conditions: People with certain heart conditions such as angina, heart failure, and irregular heartbeat, and people who have had a heart attack should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney and liver problems: People with moderate or severe kidney or liver failure should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Movement disorders: There is a risk of developing tardive dyskinesia (TD), a condition where repetitive, uncontrollable, and purposeless movements (such as grimacing; tongue protrusion; lip smacking; puckering; rapid eye blinking; rapid movements of the arms, legs, and body trunk). If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): A risk of developing this condition has been associated with antipsychotic medications, including quetiapine. If you experience increased sweating and sensations of warmth, muscle stiffness, emotional and behavioural changes, or irregular heartbeat, contact your doctor immediately. People taking this medication should take care to avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated.

Seizures: People with a history of seizures should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: The safety of quetiapine use during pregnancy is not known. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if quetiapine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children and adolescents: The safety and efficacy of this medication have not been established for children under 18 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking quetiapine.

What other drugs could interact with Seroquel?

There may be an interaction between quetiapine and any of the following:

• alcohol
• antihypertensives (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil)
• barbiturates
• carbamazepine
• clarithromycin
• divalproex
• erythromycin
• levodopa and dopamine antagonists
• ketoconazole
• nefazodone
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• thioridazine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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