Seroquel

GENERIC NAME: QUETIAPINE (kwe-TYE-a-peen)

COMMON USES: This medicine is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: WARNING: This medicine is an antipsychotic. It may increase the risk of death when used to treat mental problems caused by dementia in elderly patients. Most of the deaths were linked to heart problems or infection. This medicine is not approved to treat mental problems caused by dementia. ANTIDEPRESSANTS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS IN CHILDREN, TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS. However, depression and certain other mental problems may also increase the risk of suicide. Be sure that the benefits of using this medicine outweigh the risks. Talk with the patient's doctor if you have any questions. FAMILY AND CAREGIVERS MUST CLOSELY OBSERVE PATIENTS WHO TAKE THIS MEDICINE. It is important to keep in close contact with the patient's doctor. TELL THE DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY IF THE PATIENT HAS SYMPTOMS LIKE WORSENED DEPRESSION, SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, OR CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR. Discuss any questions with the patient's doctor. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking alpha blockers (such as doxazosin), anticholinergics (such as scopolamine), azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), divalproex, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin). fluvoxamine, HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir), telithromycin, barbiturates (such as phenabarbital), carbamazepine, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), phenytoin, rifampin, thioridazine, dopamine receptor
agonists (such as pramipexole), levodopa, or medicine for high blood pressure. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression), suicidal thoughts or attempts, mental or mood problems, or diabetes. Inform your doctor if you drink alcohol or have a history of alcohol or substance abuse. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart problems (such as heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack), stroke, blood vessel problems, high blood cholesterol levels, high or low blood pressure, blood problems (such as low white cells), liver problems, thyroid problems, cataracts, narrow-angle glaucoma, seizures neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), high blood prolactin levels, or breast cancer. Tell your doctor if you are dehydrated or if you are very overweight. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including Alzheimer disease, dementia, trouble swallowing, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns you have about taking this medicine.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work fully. DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first talking with your doctor. You may have an increased risk of side effects. If you need to stop this medicine or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. CHILDREN, TEENAGERS, AND YOUNG ADULTS who take this medicine, may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take this medicine closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS, DIZZINESS, DECREASED VISION, LIGHTHEADEDNESS, OR FAINTING. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning .Also sit or lie down at the first sign of these effects. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine along, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while you are using this medicine. DO NOT BECOME OVERHEATED OR DEHYDRATED in hot weather or during exercise or other activities while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY RARELY CAUSE A PROLONGED PAINFUL ERECTION. Contact your doctor right away if this happens. THIS MEDICINE MAY RARELY LOWER YOUR RESISTANCE TO INFECTION. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Contact your doctor right away if you develop any symptoms of infection. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME (NMS) that can be fatal. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you develop fever, stiff muscles, confusion, abnormal thinking, fast or irregular heartbeat, and sweating. SOME PATIENTS WHO TAKE THIS MEDICINE MAY DEVELOP MUSCLE MOVEMENTS THAT THEY CANNOT CONTROL. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE MUSCLE PROBLEMS with you legs; or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw while taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF DEVELOPING DIABETES or increase blood sugar levels. Contact your doctor for more information. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED when using this medicine in the elderly, because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. INCREASED BLOOD PRESSURE HAS BEEN REPORTED IN CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS who use this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. Using this medicine during the third trimester may result in uncontrolled muscle movements or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-PEED while taking this medicine.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur during treatment include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased appetite, lightheadedness, nasal congestion, nausea, sore throat, stomach pain or upset, tiredness, vomiting, weakness, and weight gain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience increased sweating or menstrual changes. THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF A CERTAIN HORMONE(PROLACTIN) IN YOUR BLOOD. Symptoms may include enlarged breasts or decreased sexual ability in men, or missed menstrual period or nipple discharge in women. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience confusion; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; fainting; increased saliva production or drooling; memory loss; muscle pain, weakness, or stiffness; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, aggressiveness, agitation, anxiety, depression, exaggerated feeling of well-being, hallucination, hostility, impulsiveness, inability to sit still, irritability, panic attacks, restlessness); numbness or tingling; persistent, painful erection; seizures; severe or prolonged dizziness or headache; suicidal thoughts or actions; swelling of the hands, legs, or feet; shortness of breath; symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, urination; unusual weakness); tremor; trouble concentrating, speaking, or swallowing; trouble sleeping; trouble walking or standing; uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, arm or leg movements, twitching of the face or tongue, jerking or twisting); or vision changes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness of the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include coma; fast or irregular heartbeat; severe dizziness or drowsiness.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.