In this Article

• What is quetiapine (Seroquel)?
• What are the possible side effects of quetiapine (Seroquel)?
• What is the most important information I should know about quetiapine (Seroquel)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking quetiapine (Seroquel)?
• How should I take quetiapine (Seroquel)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Seroquel)?
• What happens if I overdose (Seroquel)?
• What should I avoid while taking quetiapine (Seroquel)?
• What other drugs will affect quetiapine (Seroquel)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking quetiapine (Seroquel)?

Quetiapine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Quetiapine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

To make sure you can safely take quetiapine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver or kidney disease;
• heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, a history of heart attack or stroke;
• a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
• a thyroid disorder;
• seizures or epilepsy;
• cataracts;
• high cholesterol or triglycerides;
• a personal or family history of diabetes; or
• trouble swallowing.

You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Quetiapine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using quetiapine.

Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking quetiapine, do not stop taking it without your doctor's advice.

Do not give quetiapine to a child without a doctor's advice. Extended-release quetiapine (Seroquel XR) is for use only in adults and should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take quetiapine (Seroquel)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. You may take quetiapine with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Quetiapine may cause you to have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Talk to your doctor if you have any signs of hyperglycemia such as increased thirst or urination, excessive hunger, or weakness. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking quetiapine.

This medication can cause you to have a false positive drug screening test. If you provide a urine sample for drug screening, tell the laboratory staff that you are taking quetiapine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.