SEROQUEL

Drug Name: SEROQUEL

SEROQUEL DESCRIPTION:
QUETIAPINE - ORAL (kweh-TIE-ah-peen)

COMMON SEROQUEL BRAND NAME(S):
Seroquel

SEROQUEL SIDE EFFECTS:
Unusually fast or slow heartbeat, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, stomach pain or upset, weight gain or dry mouth may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly any fainting episode. Unlikely but report promptly any skin rash, itching or trouble breathing. Very unlikely but report promptly any fever or persistent sore throat, muscle stiffness, confusion, sweating, uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., tongue or facial muscles) or one-sided muscle weakness, vision changes, cold sensitivity, trouble urinating, black stool or unusual moods. To relieve dry mouth and protect teeth and gums, you may suck on sugarless candy or use a saliva substitute or ice chips. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE SEROQUEL:
SEROQUEL: SEROQUEL is taken by mouth, generally twice or three times daily. Dosage is based on age, mental condition and other diseases, and is slowly increased as tolerated. It may take several weeks to notice the full benefit of this drug. Continue to take it everyday as directed, even if you are feeling better and thinking more clearly.

SEROQUEL USES:
SEROQUEL is used for the treatment of certain mental conditions (e.g., schizophrenia).

SEROQUEL PRECAUTIONS:
Before using SEROQUEL, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including any allergies (especially drug allergies), liver or heart disease, blood vessel disease, very low blood pressure, seizure disorder or brain cancer. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. This is more likely to occur in the first few days after starting or restarting the drug, or after dosage increases. Limit alcohol intake as it may aggravate side effects. Caution is advised when performing activities requiring mental alertness (e.g., driving). SEROQUEL might hinder body temperature control. It is advised not to exercise strenuously, and to avoid extreme heat while using SEROQUEL. SEROQUEL should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether SEROQUEL is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using SEROQUEL is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution when SEROQUEL is used in the elderly.

SEROQUEL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially "dopamine-like" drugs (e.g., dopamine, bromocriptine, cabergoline), levodopa, anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital), rifampin, rifabutin, drugs for high blood pressure, other antipsychotic drugs (e.g., thioridazine), azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole), erythromycin, thyroid medicine (e.g., thyroxine), drugs that can cause drowsiness, such as narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), drugs for sleep, sedatives, antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), muscle relaxants or some antihistamines/anticholinergics (e.g., diphenhydramine, atropine). Antihistamines may be found in many cold-and-cough medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

SEROQUEL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, rapid pulse, weakness, fatigue, and dizziness.

SEROQUEL NOTES:
Do not share SEROQUEL with others. Certain medical tests will be performed during treatment, such as eye exams.

MISSED SEROQUEL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

SEROQUEL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.