Generic Seroquel

Seroquel is a brand name for the generic medication quetiapine. It is an antipsychotic medication that works by changing the way the chemicals in your brain work. Seroquel is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions, including schizophrenia and the manic episodes that can be associated with bipolar disorder. Seroquel is administered in tablets, and it may take several weeks for you notice an improvement. Even if it seems to be taking a long time, do not stop taking Seroquel without talking to your doctor.

There are some people who may not be able to take Seroquel, or who may have to have their dosage adjusted. If you have certain health conditions such as liver disease, or other problems with your liver, or if you have heart disease or other heart disorders, including high blood pressure or irregular heart rate, you may not be able to take Seroquel. Other conditions include diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, seizure disorders such as epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. If you have ever been diagnosed with breast cancer, or have any of these other conditions, you should discuss with your doctor whether you should take Seroquel.

Seroquel, like all medications, may have some side effects. It may cause hyperglycemia, which is an increase in blood sugar. It is manifested by excessive thirst, urinating frequently, feeling hungry often, or weakness, so if you are taking Seroquel and have any of these symptoms, let your doctor know. Seroquel also causes drowsiness and dissiness, so avoid operating machinery or driving while taking it. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and avoid going outside too often in hot weather, because Seroquel can cause you to become overheated. Other minor side effects can include constipation, dry mouth, or weight gain. If you experience an allergic reaction, which usually includes trouble breathing, swelling of the throat, lips, tongue or face, or a rash or hives, stop taking Seroquel and seek emergency treatment. Other serious side effects can include uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms or legs, fever, sweating, rigidity of the muscles, confusion, or increased or irregular heart rate. If you experience these, seek help immediately, because they could be signs of a serious condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, which can be fatal if it is not treated.

There are some drugs which interact with Seroquel, so be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking. Some of these drugs include antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives or other insomnia medications, pain relievers, anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, steroids, antibiotics such as erythromycin, high blood pressure medication, Parkinson’s medications, and many others. Your doctor can help you determine if your medications can work together.

Seroquel is in pregnancy category C, which means that it is not known whether it will harm a pregnant woman or her fetus. If you are pregnant or could become pregnant, you should discuss your treatment options with your doctor. It is also not known whether Seroquel is excreted in breast milk, so talk to your doctor if you are nursing or plan to nurse a baby.