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Quetiapine Fumarate
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CONSUMER INFORMATION
Quetiapine Fumarate CAS number 111974-69-7
WARNING: There may be a slightly
increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (e.g., stroke, heart
failure) when this medication is used in elderly patients with dementia.
This medication is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related
behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as
well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related
behavior problems, with the doctor.
USES: This medication is used with or without other medications to
treat certain mental/mood conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder,
schizophrenia). Quetiapine is known as an anti-psychotic drug (atypical
type). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural
chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
This medication can decrease hallucinations and improve your concentration.
It helps you to think more clearly and positively about yourself, feel less
nervous, and take a more active part in everyday life. Quetiapine can help
prevent severe mood swings or decrease how often mood swings occur.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food,
usually 2 or 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on
your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor will start you
at a low dose and gradually increase the dose to reduce the dizziness and
lightheadedness that may occur when you first start to take this drug. It
may take several weeks to notice the full benefit of this drug.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To
help you remember, use it at the same times each day. If you stop taking
quetiapine for more than one week, notify your doctor. If you restart the
drug, you may need to start at a low dose and gradually increase the dose
again.
Continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed, even if you are
feeling better and thinking more clearly. Do not stop taking this medication
without first consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when
the drug is suddenly stopped.
This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used
regularly for an extended time or if it has been used in high doses. In such
cases, withdrawal reactions (such as trouble sleeping, nausea, diarrhea,
irritability) may occur if you suddenly stop this drug. To prevent
withdrawal when stopping extended/regular treatment with this drug,
gradually reduce the dosage as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist
for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
SIDE EFFECTS: Constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, stomach
pain/upset, tiredness, weight gain, nasal congestion, or dry mouth may
occur. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Quetiapine may rarely cause a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. In some
cases, this condition may be permanent. Tell your doctor immediately if you
develop any unusual/uncontrolled movements (especially of the face, lips,
mouth, tongue, arms or legs).
For males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged
erection (lasting more than 4 hours), stop using this drug and seek
immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.
This drug may infrequently cause a serious (rarely fatal) nervous system
disorder (neuroleptic malignant syndrome). Seek immediate medical attention
if you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects:
muscle stiffness, high fever, increased sweating, fast heartbeat,
mental/mood changes, change in the amount of urine.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek
immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic
reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble
breathing.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking quetiapine, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical
history, especially of: Alzheimer's disease, low blood pressure, disease of
the blood vessels in the brain (e.g., stroke), blood disorders (e.g.,
leukopenia, neutropenia), a severe loss of body water (dehydration), certain
eye problems (cataracts), liver disease, seizures, trouble swallowing,
thyroid problems.
Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you or a family member has a history
of the following: alcohol/drug abuse, diabetes, heart disease (e.g.,
ischemic heart disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems), high blood
cholesterol/triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, obesity.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take 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 the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C)
away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30
degrees C) is permitted. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
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