Quetiapine
Quetiapine Fumarate Oral tablet
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.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
brain tumor or head injury
breast cancer
cataracts
diabetes
difficulty swallowing
heart disease
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
seizures
suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to quetiapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
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.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
cisapride
dofetilide
dronedarone
droperidol
grepafloxacin
halofantrine
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, thioridazine
pimozide
sparfloxacin
ziprasidone
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
certain medicines for blood pressure
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances like haloperidol, lorazepam
certain medicines for diabetes
certain medicines for Parkinson's disease
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
cimetidine
erythromycin
other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
rifampin
steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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.
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
difficulty swallowing
fast or irregular heartbeat
fever or chills, sore throat
fever with rash, swollen lymph nodes, or swelling of the face
increased hunger or thirst
increased urination
problems with balance, talking, walking
seizures
stiff muscles
suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements
unusually weak or tired
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
drowsy or dizzy
dry mouth
stomach upset
weight gain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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.
Quetiapine Fumarate Oral tablet, extended-release
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. It is also used to treat major depression in combination with antidepressants.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
brain tumor or head injury
breast cancer
cataracts
diabetes
difficulty swallowing
heart disease
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
seizures
suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to quetiapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take this medicine on an empty stomach or with a light meal. Do not take this medicine with a full heavy meal. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
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.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
cisapride
dofetilide
dronedarone
droperidol
grepafloxacin
halofantrine
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, thioridazine
pimozide
sparfloxacin
ziprasidone
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
certain medicines for blood pressure
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances like haloperidol, lorazepam
certain medicines for diabetes
certain medicines for Parkinson's disease
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
cimetidine
erythromycin
other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
rifampin
steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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 depression or thoughts of suicide that get worse. 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 drowsy or dizzy. 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 may interfere with the effect of this medicine. 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.
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
difficulty swallowing
fast or irregular heartbeat
fever or chills, sore throat
fever with rash, swollen lymph nodes, or swelling of the face
increased hunger or thirst
increased urination
problems with balance, talking, walking
seizures
stiff muscles
suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements
unusually weak or tired
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
drowsy or dizzy
dry mouth
stomach upset
weight gain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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.
Updated:
March 21, 2017
Sources:
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert