Quetiapine tablets

What is this medicine?

QUETIAPINE (kwe TYE a peen) is an antipsychotic. It is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Swallow it with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If it upsets your stomach you can take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over age 65 years may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in vision

• difficulty swallowing

• elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior

• eye pain

• redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• restlessness, pacing, inability to keep still

• seizures

• signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast, irregular heartbeat; palpitations; feeling faint or lightheaded; falls; breathing problems

• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as dizziness; dry mouth; dry skin; fruity breath; nausea; stomach pain; increased hunger; increased thirst; increased urination

• signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism like fatigue; increased sensitivity to cold; weight gain; hoarseness; thinning hair

• signs and symptoms of infection like fever; chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded; falls; unusually weak or tired

• signs and symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) like confusion; fast, irregular heartbeat; high fever; increased sweating; stiff muscles

• signs and symptoms of a stroke like changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination

• signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, like uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements

• suicidal thoughts, mood changes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance

• constipation

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• upset stomach

• weight gain

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride

• dofetilide

• dronedarone

• fluconazole

• metoclopramide

• pimozide

• posaconazole

• thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• antihistamines for allergy cough and cold

• antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

• atropine

• certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

• certain medicines for blood pressure

• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• certain medicines for diabetes

• certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

• certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

• certain medicines for Parkinson's disease

• certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin

• cimetidine

• erythromycin

• ipratropium

• other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)

• rifampin

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blockage in your bowel

• cataracts

• constipation

• dehydration

• diabetes

• difficulty swallowing

• glaucoma

• heart disease

• history of breast cancer

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts

• low blood pressure or dizziness when standing up

• Parkinson's disease

• previous heart attack

• prostate disease

• seizures

• stomach or intestine problems

• suicidal thoughts, plans or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

• thyroid disease

• trouble passing urine

• an unusual or allergic reaction to quetiapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine.

Your health care provider may suggest that you have your eyes examined prior to starting this medicine, and every 6 months thereafter.

If you have been taking this medicine regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or your symptoms may get worse. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

Patients and their families should watch out for worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of antidepressant treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not treat yourself for colds, diarrhea or allergies. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice, some ingredients may increase possible side effects.

This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Dress warm in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise.