Seroquel is a brand of Quetiapine, a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, and depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It works by affecting the actions of certain chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How is Seroquel taken?
The usual recommended starting dose for schizophrenia is 25 mg twice daily. Quetiapine is usually started with a low dose in order to allow the body to get used to it. This dose is increased as tolerated to a target dose of 150 mg twice daily. No more than 400 mg twice daily should be taken as the safety of higher doses has not been established.
For manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, the recommended starting dose is 50 mg twice daily. This dose is increased every day up to 400 mg twice daily as tolerated. Most people respond to doses between 200 mg and 400 mg twice daily.
For depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder, the recommended starting dose is 50 mg once daily, usually at bedtime. This dose is increased every day up to 300 mg once daily as tolerated.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Seroquel can be taken with or without food. Do not stop taking this medication or change the time of the day you take it without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor to ensure that you are getting the maximum benefit from the medication.
What does Seroquel do to a normal person?
When taken by a normal person who does not have any underlying mental health issues, Seroquel can have various effects on the body and mind. In this article, we will explore the various ways that Seroquel can affect a normal person.
Before we dive into the effects of Seroquel on a normal person, it is important to understand how the drug works. Seroquel works by blocking the action of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating mood, behavior, and cognition.
By blocking these neurotransmitters, Seroquel can help to alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also help to improve sleep and reduce anxiety in some cases.
Effects on Sleep
One of the most common effects of Seroquel is sedation, which can be helpful for individuals who have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. In fact, Seroquel is sometimes prescribed off-label for insomnia.
However, the sedative effects of Seroquel can also be quite strong, and can cause drowsiness and lethargy during the day. This can interfere with normal activities such as work or school, and can even lead to accidents or injuries.
In addition, Seroquel can disrupt the normal sleep cycle, leading to decreased quality of sleep and reduced REM sleep. This can have negative effects on mood, cognition, and overall health.
Effects on Weight
Another common side effect of Seroquel is weight gain. This is thought to be due to the drug’s effects on appetite and metabolism. Seroquel can increase appetite, leading to overeating and weight gain. It can also slow down metabolism, making it more difficult to burn off calories.
Weight gain can be a significant issue for some individuals taking Seroquel, as it can lead to a variety of health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Effects on Cognition
Seroquel can also affect cognition in various ways. While the drug can improve some aspects of cognitive function, such as memory and attention, it can also impair other aspects, such as executive function and processing speed.
These effects can be especially pronounced in older adults, who may be more vulnerable to cognitive impairment due to age-related changes in the brain.
In addition, long-term use of Seroquel has been linked to an increased risk of developing dementia, although the exact mechanism behind this association is not yet fully understood.
Effects on Mood
While Seroquel is primarily used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, it can also have effects on mood in normal individuals. Some individuals report feeling calmer and more relaxed after taking Seroquel, while others may experience mild euphoria.
However, the effects of Seroquel on mood can be highly variable and may depend on a variety of factors, including dosage, duration of use, and individual physiology.
In some cases, Seroquel can also cause mood changes such as depression or irritability. This is thought to be due to the drug’s effects on dopamine and serotonin, which can disrupt normal mood regulation.
Effects on Heart Health
Finally, Seroquel can have effects on heart health, particularly in individuals who have preexisting cardiovascular conditions. The drug can cause changes in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be problematic for individuals with heart disease.
In addition, long-term use of Seroquel has been associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. These conditions include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess body fat around the waist.
In summary, Seroquel can have a variety of effects on a normal person who does not have any underlying mental health conditions. These effects can include sedation, weight gain, cognitive impairment, mood changes, and potential risks to heart health.
While some individuals may benefit from the sedative effects of Seroquel for insomnia or anxiety, the potential risks and side effects of the drug should be carefully considered before use. If you are considering taking Seroquel, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about your individual health history and any potential risks or benefits of the drug.
What are the possible side effect I should expect while using Seroquel?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Seroquel: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
• mask-like appearance of the face, trouble swallowing, problems with speech;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• severe nervous system reaction – very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, fainting;
• high blood sugar – increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss; or
• low blood cell counts – sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms, cough, sore throat, red or swollen gums, painful mouth sores, skin sores, trouble breathing.
Common Seroquel side effects may include:
• speech problems;
• dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness;
• lack of energy;
• fast heartbeats;
• stuffy nose;
• increased appetite, weight gain;
• upset stomach, vomiting, constipation;
• dry mouth; or
• problems moving.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Seroquel?
Seroquel can cause a serious heart problem if you use certain medicines at the same time, including certain antibiotics, antidepressants, heart rhythm medicine, antipsychotic medicines, and medicines to treat cancer, malaria, HIV or AIDS. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Seroquel.
Taking Seroquel with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Many drugs can interact with quetiapine. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
• antibiotic or antifungal medicines;
• antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis or HIV/AIDS;
• heart or blood pressure medicines;
• medicine to treat mental illness;
• St. John’s wort;
• seizure medicine; or
• medicines used to treat tuberculosis.
This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with quetiapine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.
