Quetiapine Fumarate

Uses of Quetiapine Fumarate

Quetiapine is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children who are at least 13 years old. It is also used alone or with with divalproex or lithium to treat episodes of mania (frenzied, abnormally excited or irritated mood) or depression in patients with bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods).

Precautions and Warnings

There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as stroke, heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, pneumonia) when this medication is used by older adults with dementia. This medication is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with the doctor.

Quetiapine is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, sudden episodes of mania or depression associated with bipolar disorder). Drugs used to treat depression can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take drugs to treat depression may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. It is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of drugs used to treat depression (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.

Tell the doctor right away if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new drug to treat depression is started or when the dose is changed.

This medication is not approved for use in children under 10 years old.

Dosage

How much quetiapine you take depends on why you’re taking it.

Dose for schizophrenia – You’ll usually start on a low dose of 50mg a day when taking standard tablets. This will be increased over a few days to start with.

Dose for mania symptoms of bipolar disorder – You’ll usually start on a low dose of 100mg a day when taking standard tablets. This will be increased over a few days to start with.

Dose for depression in bipolar disorder – You’ll usually start on a low dose of 50mg a day. This will be increased over a few days. Most people feel better with a daily dose of 300mg.

Dose for depression when used with other medicines – You’ll usually start on a low dose of 50mg. This will be increased over a few days. Most people feel better with a daily dose of 150mg to 300mg.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Feeling sleepy during the day
• Problems with your movement
• Headache
• Feeling dizzy
• Putting on weight or changes to your appetite
• Constipation
• Swollen breasts, pain in your breasts or leaking breast milk
• Irregular periods or stopped periods
• Fast heartbeat