Quetiapine : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects
Quetiapine is a second-generation atypical antipsychotic drug, used to treat certain mental/mood conditions (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, sudden episodes of mania or depression associated with bipolar disorder). It may be used as sleep aid. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Dose : 25-400 mg
Route : Oral
Plasma Half-life : 6 hours
Duration of action : ?
Bioavailability : 100%
Chemical formula : C21H25N3O2S
IUPAC name : 2-(2-(4-dibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepine- 11-yl- 1-piperazinyl)ethoxy)ethanol
Trade name : Quel, Socalm, Seroquin, Seroquel
Therapeutic uses : Quetiapine has following usage :
- Primarily indicated as anti-psychotic drug for treating psychoses particularly Schizophrenia (generally first-line therapy). It is not effective in treating the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. It is preferred when patient is agitated, combative & violent.
- Indicated for the treatment of bipolar depression.
- Used as adjunctive agents with antidepressants for treatment of refractory depression.
- Can be used as tranquilizers to manage agitated and disruptive behavior secondary to other disorders.
- May relieve anxiety.
- May be used as Sedative.
- May be used for Organic brain syndromes on a short-term basis.
- Rare indications includes Alcoholic hallucinosis, Huntington’s disease and Gilles de Ia Tourette’s syndrome.
Directions for use :
- Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times daily with or without food.
Side effects : Quetiapinee may produce following side effects:
- CNS ailments like Sedation, Sleepiness, drowsiness, lethargy, mental confusion, increased appetite, weight gain, aggravation of seizures
- CVS effects including Postural (orthostatic) hypotension, palpitation, inhibition of ejaculation
- Anticholinergic effects such as Dry mouth, blurring of vision, constipation, urinary incontinence
- Rare Hyperprolactinemia – amenorrhoea, infertility, galactorrhoea and gynaecomastia
- Rare Extrapyramidal disturbances (extrapyramidal symptoms EPS) such as Parkinsonism, Acute muscular dystonias, Akathisia, Malignant neuroleptic syndrome, Tardive dyskinesia.
Warnings :
- INCREASED MORTALITY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA-RELATED PSYCHOSIS; and SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS
Contraindications :
- It should be used cautiously in patients with seizure disorders (since it may lower the seizure threshold)or those with an increased risk for seizures, such as withdrawal from alcohol.
For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
