Seroquel

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Seroquel is a drug that is used for mental illness. It mainly helps patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Here you can read everything you need to know about the effect and use of the drug.

This is the active ingredient in Seroquel

The active ingredient in Seroquel is called quetiapine. It belongs to the group of atypical neuroleptics and is able to block neurotransmitter receptors. Its effect is attributed to the inhibition of the serotonin and dopamine receptors. This has antipsychotic and antidepressant effects on the patient. In addition, the Seroquel active ingredient causes fewer movement disorders (extrapyramidal side effects) than other neuroleptics with the same profile of action.

When is Seroquel used?

The drug is used to treat:

Schizophrenia (a complex mental illness that affects thinking, cognition, and other processes)
bipolar disorder (a disease in which alternating, uncontrollable states of mind occur in their extremes, also known as manic-depressive illness)
Depression (mental disorder that makes you feel very depressed)

What are the side effects of Seroquel?

The most common Seroquel side effects are drowsiness, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, movement disorders or changes in cholesterol levels. Abrupt stopping without reducing the dose of Seroquel beforehand may cause insomnia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, or irritability.

Taking Seroquel often causes weight gain, increased appetite or water retention in the legs (edema). A change in the hormone level, a faster heartbeat, blurred vision, difficulty breathing or a drop in blood pressure are possible.

Occasional reports of overreactions of the immune system, the development of diabetes, seizures, brief loss of consciousness, slow heartbeat, inflammation of the nasal mucosa, difficulty swallowing, impaired urine output or sexual dysfunction have been reported.

Rare Seroquel side effects are blood clots in veins, inflammation of the pancreas or liver, an intestinal obstruction, a painful permanent erection, menstrual disorders or hypothermia.

Very rarely does the drug cause a severe intolerance reaction with swelling of the airways, drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness or the dissolution of the skeletal muscles.

Psychological complaints can also arise. These are unfounded fears, nightmares and suicidal thoughts that can develop into suicidal behavior.

If you experience symptoms of these types or any side effects that are not mentioned, you should see a doctor or emergency doctor immediately and discontinue Seroquel.

You should bear this in mind when using Seroquel

The Seroquel dosage depends on the type and severity of the disease and is individually adjusted by the doctor to the patient. The total daily dose of 800 mg should not be exceeded.The daily dose can be divided into different individual doses, which should be taken with sufficient liquid. In the event that a patient has taken too much Seroquel, drowsiness, dizziness and an irregular heartbeat may occur.

Seroquel: contraindications

The medicinal product Seroquel must not be used if:

the patient has an allergic reaction to the active substance in Seroquel or other components of the medicine
the following drugs are taken at the same time:
Means to treat an infection with the HIV virus
Preparations for treating a fungal infection
Antibiotics that contain erythromycin or clarithromycin as active ingredients

Before the patient takes Seroquel, the doctor should determine whether treatment with Seroquel makes sense if:

known cardiovascular problems (e.g. irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure)
Strokes
Liver dysfunction
previous seizure
Diabetes mellitus
previous abnormalities in the blood count (white blood cells)
Patients with dementia (progressive loss of brain function)

You should consult your doctor about the following medicines:

Medicines used to treat epilepsy (seizures)
Medicines that affect blood pressure or heart activity
Medicines used to treat sleep disorders
other psychotically effective agents (containing thioridazine or lithium)

Seroquel: pregnancy and lactation

Seroquel should not be used during pregnancy as the drug's safety and efficacy have not been adequately studied. Withdrawal symptoms and movement disorders in the newborn after birth were observed in isolated cases. If Seroquel has to be used during breastfeeding, it may make sense to wean early because the active ingredient passes into breast milk and can thus be passed on to the child.

Seroquel: ability to drive and use machines

The use of vehicles and machines should be avoided, as the drug can cause drowsiness and safe participation in traffic is not guaranteed. Seroquel and alcohol

The drug should not be combined with alcoholic beverages, as taking both substances at the same time can lead to excessive drowsiness.

Seroquel: children and adolescents

Taking Seroquel is not recommended in children and adolescents due to the current state of studies. In addition, psychological side effects (fears, suicidal thoughts, suicidal behavior) were increasingly found in younger users.

How to get Seroquel

Seroquel is available from pharmacies as a prescription drug with a prescription. It can be purchased as a tablet with different active ingredient concentrations (25 mg to 300 mg).