Case Evaluation

Seroquel: Seroquel Overview

Seroquel Overview

What is Seroquel?

Seroquel is prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia, a mental disorder marked by delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations, disrupted thinking, and loss of contact with reality. It is also used for the short-term treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder.

Seroquel is the first in a new class of antipsychotic medications. Researchers believe that it works by diminishing the action of dopamine and serotonin, two of the brain's chief chemical messengers. Seroquel is made by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, L.P. and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997.

Seroquel FDA Alert

In April 2005, the FDA issued an alert stating that older patients treated with atypical antipsychotic medicines, such as Seroquel, for dementia had a higher chance for death than patients who did not take the medicine. The FDA stated further that this is not an approved use and has asked the companies that make these medicines to change their labels to include this important information.

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Professional?

Before you start taking Seroquel, tell your healthcare professional if you:

  • have or had heart problems
  • have or had cataracts
  • have a thyroid disorder
  • have high cholesterol or triglycerides
  • have or had seizures
  • have or had diabetes or increased blood sugar
  • have or had liver disease
  • are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding
  • drink alcohol

Interactions with Other Drugs and Foods

Because certain other medications can interact with Seroquel, you should talk first with your healthcare professional about all prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking. Your healthcare professional may have to adjust your dose or watch you more closely if you take the following medications:

  • blood pressure medicines
  • levodopa and medicines called dopamine agonists
  • phenytoin
  • thioridazine
  • antifungal or antibiotic medicines such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole and erythromycin
  • lorazepam

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Seroquel.

Is There Anything Else I Need to Know About Taking Seroquel?

Dizziness (and sometimes fainting) caused by a drop in blood pressure may occur with Seroquel, especially when you first start taking Seroquel or when the dose is increased. Seroquel may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should be careful when operating machinery, including automobiles, until you know how Seroquel affects you. It is important to avoid overheating and dehydration while taking Seroquel, because Seroquel use may make it harder to lower your body temperature.

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