Seroquel belongs to the drug class that is known as atypical antipsychotics. These drugs are primarily used for treating bipolar disorders and schizophrenia in teenagers and children.

It is a prescription drug, meaning you will need your doctor’s prescription to acquire this drug.

This drug can develop dependence when used for the long term or used just for recreational purposes. This is one of many reasons that this drug is available with a prescription only.

It can be used alone or in combination with other drugs to achieve the desired results.

It produces its effects by interaction with various neurotransmitters in our brain.

It is used to treat conditions including OCD, Bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia.

It has a serious side effect profile as well, so you should take this drug with caution. Some of the common side effects of this drug include Gi upset, dry mouth, headache, trouble sleeping, etc.

In this article, we will discuss what these medications are? Why do we use this drug? What is the mechanism of action? And also, what are the common side effects of this drug.

Generic name of Seroquel :

• Quetiapine

Common brand name of Seroquel :

• Seroquel
• Seroquel XR

Drug class of Seroquel :

This drug belongs to the drug class known as atypical antipsychotics.

Mechanism of action of Seroquel :

The mechanism of action of Seroquel is not fully understood. Some studies suggest that this drug produces its action by acting as an antagonist at D2 and serotonin 2A receptors.

Clinical indication of Seroquel :

This drug can be used in the treatment of:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar I Disorder (Mania)
• Bipolar Disorder (Depressive episodes)
• Major depressive disorders
• Tourette’s syndrome
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Alcohol dependence (off label)
• Insomnia
• Hallucinations

In addition to these indications, this drug can also improve your mood, sleep, energy levels, and appetite. This drug either prevents mood swings or decreases their frequency.

Dosage of Seroquel:

The dosage of each drug varies from person to person and with the severity of the condition. Here in the table below, we have listed some of the general guidelines about the dosage of this drug:

Formulations of Seroquel :

Seroquel is available in the following formulations:

• Oral tablet, immediate release
• Oral tablet, Extended-release

Side effects of Seroquel :

The side effect profile of each drug varies from person to person. You may not get any of the side effects given below or may get only a few. This article only covers the side effects that are common among the general population, and exceptions. are always there. Some of the common side effects of this drug include:

• Tiredness
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping
• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Breast swelling or discharge
• Missed menstrual periods
• Mood or behaviour changes
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting, mood, or behaviour changes
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Upset stomach                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Increased appetite,
• Weight gain

Some of the less common side effects of this drug include:

• Fever
• Inability to move the eyes
• Inability to sit still
• Increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid
• Lip-smacking or puckering
• Muscle aches
• Uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs
• Slowed movements
• Slurred speech

Contraindication of Seroquel :

Seroquel is contraindicated in the following conditions:

• Breast cancer
• Low thyroid hormone levels
• Low amount of potassium in the blood
• Excessive fat in the blood
• Dehydration
• Hypomagnesemia (Decrease in serum magnesium levels)

Precautions:

The medicine can be taken with or without food, as per the direction of your doctor. If you are self-medicating yourself with this drug, make sure you thoroughly read all the instructions given on the product leaflet.

The dosage of any drug may differ based on age, condition, and a patient’s response to therapy. Make sure you do not take this medicine above the recommended dose.

Before starting any medication, keep the following points in mind:

• Before starting any medication, tell your pharmacist about your drug allergies (if any) because sometimes a drug contains inactive ingredients along with the salts that may flare up your allergies.
• Always make sure that you read the medication guide carefully. When in doubt about any medication, consult your physician.
•  You should let your physician know about any of your other medical conditions, such as liver disease, etc. It is best to consult your pharmacist or physician.
• Let your physician know if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant during the course of therapy.
• You should take your medications at the proper time and not try to alter the dosage yourself.
• To get the most benefit from your medications, you must take them on time.
• If you are taking any other medications, vitamins, or herbal products along with. In that case, it is best to let your pharmacist or your doctor know about that medication so that any adverse effects due to drug interaction can be avoided.
• Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens over time.

Special instructions of Seroquel :

Pregnancy: This drug is not recommended to be used in pregnancy because of its potential adverse effects on the fetus. This drug is classed under FDA pregnancy category C, meaning you should only use this medication if the benefits outweigh the harm.

Talk to your physician about the alternatives, as there are generally safer alternatives available out there that can be used during pregnancy.

Nursing mothers: This medication is not recommended in nursing mothers as Seroquel can excrete in breast milk. Due to the severity of adverse effects, it can have on the infants and the lack of data available, it was decided to discontinue this drug.

Drug interaction:

When your physician or pharmacist prescribes you a medication, they are already aware of any possible interactions. You must not make any change in the medication prescribed to you by your physician.

If you are unsure about the drug interactions or have any queries about your prescription, you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also keep a list of your medication and show that to your pharmacist or your physician so they may know all the drugs you are using and make their decision accordingly.

Some of the common drug interactions of Seroquel include:

●    Benzodiazepines ( combination of these drugs can induce serious side effects including sedation, confusion, drowsiness, and dizziness)

●    Muscle relaxants (coadministration of both these drugs can precipitate the side effect profile)

●    Sedative/ Hypnotics ( combination of these two drugs can result in serious side effects, so simultaneous use of these drugs must be avoided)

●    Antiarrhythmic drugs ( studies have shown that combination therapy can increase the risk of cardiac arrest)

●    Barbituates

●    Antihypertensives

●    Antihistamines

●    Methadone

●    Pentamidine

●    Antipsychotic drugs

Overdose of Seroquel :

Overdose may be accidental or purposeful. You should keep in mind that if you miss a dose, do not try to compensate by taking the extra dose when the next dose is due. You can consult your physician or your pharmacist about the doses you missed.

Storage of Seroquel :

Following steps must be taken to store medicine properly:

• Store your medicine at room temperature
• Keep your medication away from the direct sunlight.
• Keep your medicine away from moisture and excess heat e,g, bathroom or kitchen.
• If you have children, keep medications out of their reach to avoid any accidents.
• Drugs should be dispensed properly.