Quetiapine (Oral Route)

US Brand Name

1. SEROquel

2. SEROquel XR

Quetiapine is used alone or together with other medicines to treat bipolar disorder (depressive and manic episodes) and schizophrenia. Quetiapine extended-release tablet is also used together with other antidepressants to treat major depressive disorder. This medicine should not be used to treat behavioral problems in older adult patients who have dementia or Alzheimer disease. Quetiapine is an antipsychotic medicine that works in the brain.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Tablet, Extended Release

• Tablet

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Quetiapine tablets may be taken with or without food on a full or empty stomach. However, if your doctor tells you to take it a certain way, take it as directed.

Swallow the extended-release tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it. It is best to take this medicine without food or with a light meal (approximately 300 calories).

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Chills

• cold sweats

• confusion

• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

Less common

• Black, tarry stools

• blurred vision

• changes in patterns and rhythms of speech

• chest pain

• cough

• drooling

• fever

• inability to move the eyes

• inability to sit still

• increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid

• lip smacking or puckering

• loss of balance control

• mask-like face

• muscle aches

• need to keep moving

• painful or difficult urination

• puffing of the cheeks

• rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue

• restlessness

• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

• shuffling walk

• slowed movements

• slurred speech

• sore throat

• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

• sticking out of the tongue

• stiffness of the arms or legs

• sweating

• swelling of the face, arms, hands, feet, or lower legs

• swollen glands

• trembling and shaking of the hands and fingers

• trouble with breathing, speaking, or swallowing

• uncontrolled chewing movements

• uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs

• uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusual facial expressions

• unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

• Dry, puffy skin

• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

• loss of appetite

• menstrual changes

• unusual secretion of milk (in females)

• weight gain

Less common

• Abnormal vision

• belching

• decreased appetite

• decreased strength and energy

• heartburn

• increased appetite

• increased muscle tone

• increased sweating

• indigestion

• sneezing

• stomach discomfort or upset

• stuffy or runny nose

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.