Seroquel

Seroquel (quetiapine) is a prescription medicine intended for the treatment of such psychotic conditions as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). Talking to your health care provider before starting the treatment is very important, as you will need to discuss all the aspects of your treatment and the lowest efficient dose. Your dose can depend on a number of factors – including some health conditions you have been diagnosed with and the drugs you are taking. As for the health conditions (or a history of any health problems), it’s important to let your doctor know about any of the following ones: trouble swallowing, liver or kidney disease, thyroid disorder, high blood pressure, diabetes or a history of diabetes, seizures, heart disease, history of heart attack or stroke, and high cholesterol. The drugs you are taking or intend to take may also affect your dose. Such medicines as rifabutin, high blood pressure medications, antifungal medications, seizure medications, lorazepam, cimetidine, erythromycin, steroids, thioridazine, as well as medicines for depression or mental illness may not be combined with Seroquel until your doctor has adjusted the dose. This needs to be done to exclude the possibility of getting side effects as a result of drug interactions. In most cases Seroquel is tolerated very well with a few mild side effects possible, such as vomiting, weight gain, anxiety, stomach pain, constipation, headache, dizziness, weakness, dry mouth, blurred vision, nausea, drowsiness, and runny nose. The side effects mentioned do not have to be reported to your doctor unless they get severe. This is unlikely – but you still need to be aware of the possibility. More serious side effects, such as urinating less than usual, confusion, problems with vision or speech, sudden headache, sudden sweating, stiff muscles, increased thirst, confusion, and body aches, are also possible in some rare cases and have to be reported to the doctor that prescribed Seroquel as soon as you can. This drug is FDA pregnancy category C. It may harm to an unborn baby and passes into breast milk – so there is always a chance it may harm to a nursing infant as well. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or panning a pregnancy at the moment – discuss this situation with your health care provider to learn about the options you have.