Why is Seroquel prescribed?

Seroquel is used to treat psychotic disorders and symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and hostility.

Quetiapine fumarate is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Seroquel be used?

Seroquel comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken two or three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Quetiapine fumarate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Seroquel controls the symptoms of a psychotic disorder but does not cure it. Continue to take Seroquel even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Seroquel without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to decrease your dose gradually.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Seroquel,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Quetiapine fumarate or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amantadine (Symadine, Symmetrel), barbiturates, bromocriptine (Parlodel), carbamazapine (Tegretol), cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), erythromycin, fluconazole (Diflucan), glucocorticoids (cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), levodopa (Larodopa, Dopar, Seroquel), lorazepam (Ativan), medications for high blood pressure, pergolide (Permax), phenobarbital (Luminal), phenytoin (Dilantin), pramipexole (Mirapex), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), selegiline (Eldepryl), thioridazine (Mellaril), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had Alzheimer's disease, seizures, or heart or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Seroquel, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Seroquel.
• you should know that Quetiapine fumarate may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Quetiapine fumarate will affect you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• you should avoid activities that will cause your body to overheat or become dehydrated.
• you should get up slowly when sitting or lying down. Standing quickly may cause you to become dizzy or faint.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Seroquel cause?

Although side effects from Seroquel are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• dry mouth
• constipation
• upset stomach
• stomach pain
• headache
• tiredness
• excessive weight gain
• runny nose
• rash
• ear pain
• flu symptoms
• swollen ankles
• blurred vision

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• fainting
• seizures
• increased body temperature (fever), muscle stiffness, difficulty thinking clearly, fast or irregular heartbeat
• muscle spasms, fine worm-like tongue movements, tremors, shuffling walk, inability to sit still, jerky movements

What storage conditions are needed for Seroquel?

Keep Quetiapine fumarate in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Seroquel. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.