Quetiapine XR

Uses of Quetiapine XR

Quetiapine XR is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children who are at least 13 years old.

Quetiapine XR is used alone or in combination with divalproex or lithium to treat manic episodes in adults with bipolar disorder.

Quetiapine XR is also used to treat depressive episodes in adults with bipolar disorder.

Quetiapine XR is also used alone to treat manic episodes in children at least 10 years old with bipolar disorder.

Quetiapine XR extended release is used in combination with antidepressant medications to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

Precautions and Warnings

People with depression or mental illness may have thoughts about suicide. Some young people may have increased suicidal thoughts when first starting Quetiapine XR. Tell your doctor right away if you have any sudden changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts about suicide.

Quetiapine XR may increase the risk of death in older adults with mental health problems related to dementia.

ou should not use Quetiapine XR if you are allergic to it.

People with depression or mental illness may have thoughts about suicide. Some young people may have increased suicidal thoughts when first starting a medicine to treat depression. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a nervous system reaction associated with antipsychotic medication use;
• heart disease, a heart attack or stroke;
• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low blood levels of potassium or magnesium);
• high or low blood pressure;
• low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
• abnormal thyroid tests or prolactin levels;
• an enlarged prostate, constipation or urination problems;
• a seizure;
• glaucoma or cataracts;
• diabetes (in you or a family member);
• high cholesterol or triglycerides; or
• liver disease.

Quetiapine XR may increase the risk of death in older adults with mental health problems related to dementia.

Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause serious problems in the newborn. Tell your doctor right away if you get pregnant. Do not stop the medicine without your doctor’s advice.

It may be harder for you to get pregnant while you are using Quetiapine XR.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of quetiapine on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Dosage

Schizophrenia:

• Day 1: 300 mg/day PO; subsequently, may be increased by up to 300 mg/day at intervals ≥1 day
• Maintenance (monotherapy): 400-800 mg/day
• Patients who have discontinued therapy for >1 week should have their dose retitrated following initiation of therapy; patients may reinitiate at their previous maintenance dose if discontinued therapy <1 week

Bipolar I Disorder, Mania:

• Day 1: 300 mg PO once daily
• Day 2: 600 mg PO once daily
• Maintenance (day 3 onward): 400-800 mg/day PO

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• speech problems;
• dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• lack of energy;
• fast heartbeats;
• increased appetite, weight gain;
• upset stomach, vomiting, constipation;
• stomach pain, nausea;
• abnormal liver function tests, sore throat;
• stuffy nose, dry mouth; or
• difficulty moving.