What is the most important information I should know about quetiapine?
Quetiapine is not for use in psychotic conditions that are related to
dementia.
Quetiapine has caused fatal
pneumonia or
heart failure in older adults with dementia-related
conditions.
Stop using quetiapine and call your doctor at once if you have the following
symptoms: fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, uncontrolled
muscle movements, symptoms that come on suddenly such as numbness or weakness, severe
headache, and problems with vision, speech, or balance.
You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant,
especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular
visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood
or behavior changes,
anxiety, panic attacks,
trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable,
agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless,
hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or
have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
What is quetiapine?
Quetiapine is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals
in the brain.
Quetiapine is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia
and bipolar disorder (manic depression).
Quetiapine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking quetiapine?
Quetiapine is not for use in psychotic conditions that are related to dementia.
Quetiapine has caused fatal pneumonia or heart failure in older adults with dementia-related
conditions.
Before you take quetiapine, tell your doctor if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
quetiapine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
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.
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. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether quetiapine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Do not give quetiapine to anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a
doctor.
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