QUETIAPINE

Generic Name : QUETIAPINE

TradeName : PINCALM tab PLACIDIN tab Q PIN tab Q-MIND tab QUEL tab QUEL-SR tab QUETICARE tab QUREA tab QUTACE film-coated tab QUTACE-SR film-coated tab QUTAN tab QUTICOOL tab QUTIPIN SR-tab QUTIPIN tab Q-WIN tab SEROQUIN film-coated tab SIZOQUIT tab SOCALM tab

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : This medication is prescribed for treating schizophrenia i.e. a disorder with includes symptoms like hearing, seeing or sensing things that are not real, mistaken beliefs and thoughts, and problems dealing with other people. It is also used to control the excited moods and depressed moods of bipolar disorder. It is an atypical antipsychotic. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications) : Severe Central Nervous System depression, bone marrow suppression, coma.

When it is to be taken : Oral Schizophrenia Initial: 25 mg twice daily on day 1 increase to 50 mg twice daily on day 2, 100 mg twice daily on day 3 and 150 mg twice daily on day 4. Usual: 300-450 mg/day. Max: 750 mg/day. Bipolar disorder Manic phase: 50 mg twice daily, increase by 50 mg/dose for each subsequent day till 3rd day. Usual: 400-800 mg/day. Increase slowly if needed. Depressive phase: Initial: 50 mg at bedtime on day 1, 100 mg on day 2, 200 mg on day 3, and 300 mg on day 4. May increase to 400 mg on day 5 and 600 mg on day 8 if needed.

How it should be taken : It comes as a tablet and an extended-release tablet to take by mouth. The tablets are usually taken one to three times a day, with or without food. The extended-release tablets are usually taken once a day in the evening without food or with a light meal.

Special Instruction :
1. It may increase in your blood sugar while you are taking this medication, even if you do not already have diabetes. Monitor sugar level, especially in diabetics, signs of clinical worsening, suicidality or unusual changes in behavior. 2. Caution should be exercised in patients with history of seizures; neuroleptic malignant syndrome; involuntary movements, during pregnancy and lactation. 3. It may cause kidney or liver damage. 4. Gradual withdrawal is recommended 5. It may make it harder for your body to cool down when it gets very hot. While you are taking quetiapine, you should avoid excessive exercise, stay inside as much as possible and dress lightly in hot weather, stay out of the sun, and drink plenty of fluids. 6. It may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. Get up slowly from bed.

Side Effects :
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Headache, generalized weakness, Drowsiness, restlessness, Dizziness. Fatigue Tremor Abnormal movements, suicidal tendencies.
GI
Dry mouth, Constipation, Impaired digestion, abdominal pain, loss of appetite.
METABOLIC-NUTRITIONAL
Weight Gain, elevations in serum transaminase level, increased appetite, Peripheral edema, increase in blood glucose.
HEART
Increased heart rate, palpitations, postural and orthostatic hypotension.
EYE AND ENT
Nasal congestion, blurred vision.
SKIN
Sweating, skin rash, eruption.
RESPIRATORY
Upper respiratory tract infection, cough, difficult breathing.
BLOOD
Reduction in white blood cells.
MISCELLANEOUS
Fever, decrease in thyroid hormone levels, flu syndrome, increase in blood cholesterol.

Other Precautions :
Do not change the dosage with out consult with your doctor.

Storage Conditions :
Oral: Store at 25°C. Store it in air tight container and keep away from children.