Quetiapine (pron. que-tyre-pean) - Choose Your Medication

Quetiapine (say: que-tyre-pean)What is quetiapine?Quetiapine (also known as Seroquel ® and Seroquel XL ® ) is mainly used to helptreat the symptoms of psychosis, schizophrenia, mania and bipolar depression,and to prevent these symptoms coming back. It is sometimes also used to helpthe symptoms of anxiety, and depression. It is made as plain tablets and asustained release (XL) tablet.[By the way, XL doesn’t mean Extra Large! It just meanseXtra Long release, so only need to be taken once a day]What does quetiapine help?Quetiapine can help many symptoms. These can include psychosis (losing touchwith reality) which can include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things thataren’t there) and delusions (thinking something is true when it isn’t). Quetiapinecan also help mania (being high) or depression (being low).How and when should I take quetiapine?Swallow the tablets with at least half a glass of water whilst sitting or standing.This is to make sure that they reach the stomach and do not stick in yourthroat. Do not chew the tablets. Taking it at mealtimes may make it easier foryou to remember as there is no problem about taking quetiapine with or afterfood. If you have the XL tablets and the label says to take it once a day this isusually best at bedtime as it may make you drowsy at first. The plain tablets areusually taken twice a day, usually best in the morning and in the evening.The XL tablets should be taken at least an hour before food.How long will I have to wait before it works?This will depend on what you are taking it for but the effect usually starts in aweek or so, and builds over several weeks.Can I stop taking quetiapine suddenly?How long will I need to keep taking quetiapine for?This will depend on what you are taking it for. It may be for several months oryears.It is better not to do this without talking it over first with other people e.g. yourfamily or your doctor, case manager or pharmacist. Things normally work outmuch better if you stop medication in a planned way. Your symptoms canreturn if treatment is stopped too early. This may occur some weeks or evenmonths after quetiapine has been stopped. When the time comes, you shouldwithdraw quetiapine by a gradual reduction in the dose over several weeks.What should I do if I forget to take a dose of quetiapine?If you are taking the XL tablets, start again as soon as you remember if withinabout 12 hours. If you are taking the plain tablets, start again as soon as youremember if within about 4-6 hours. After this just take the next dose asnormal. Do not try to catch up by taking two doses at once as you may getmore side-effects. If youwww.choiceandmedication.org/queenslandhealthwww.health.qld.gov.au

Can I cycle, drive or operate a boat while I am taking quetiapine?You may feel a bit sleepy at first when taking quetiapine. Until this wearsoff, or you know how quetiapine affects you, be careful cycling and do notdrive or operate machinery.What sort of side-effects might I get with quetiapine?The table below will show you some of the main side effects you might get from quetiapine, and what you cando about them. The more common ones are near the top of the list.SleepinessFeeling sleepy or sluggish.This can last for a few hoursor longer after taking a dose.Don't drive, cycle or usemachinery. Ask your doctorif you can take quetiapine ata different time of day. Itshould wear off after awhile. If not, ask your doctoror case manager about this.Feeling dizzy, light-headedor faint, especially when youstand upDo not stand up too quickly. Tryand lie down when you feel itcoming on. Do not cycle ordrive.Dry mouthYou may have not much salivaor spit. Suck sugar-free lolliesor gum. If it is bad, you maybe able to use a mouth spray.ConstipationWhen you can’t pass a bowelmotion (the opposite ofdiarrhoea). Make sure haveeat enough fibre, cereals orfruit. Make sure you drinkenough fluid. If this does nothelp, ask your doctor orpharmacist for a mildlaxative.Feeling sick or being sick,or stomach painThis usually wears off in afew weeks. If not, let yourdoctor know. Taking it afterfood may help.Weight gainEating more and putting onweight. A diet full of vegetablesand fibre may help preventweight gain.Restlessness (known as“akathisia”)Feeling more on edge. You feelhappier when moving around.This happens much more at thestart of treatment but usuallywears off in a few weeks. Yourdoctor may be able to give you amedicine to help this. Try andrelax by taking deep breaths.Wear loose fitting clothes.HeadacheIf your head is painful,paracetamol usually helps. Itusually wears off.Do not be worried by this list of side effects. Some people get no side effects at all and others may get some effects that are not listedin this table. If you think you might have a side effect to your medicine, you should ask your doctor, case manager or pharmacist. Lifeline provides 24hr telephone crisis support on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au for information &.downloadsThe small print: This leaflet is to help you or your child understand about this medicine. You should also read themanufacturer's Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) Leaflet. You may find lots more on the internet but beware asinternet-based information is not always accurate. Do not share medicines with anyone else.V01.07 [5.2015] ©2015 Mistura TM Enterprise Ltd (www.choiceandmedication.org). Choice and Medication TM indemnity applies only to licensed subscribing organisations andthe personal use by that organisation’s service users and carers. Use by non-subscribing organisations is prohibited.www.choiceandmedication.org/queenslandhealthwww.health.qld.gov.au