QUETADIN

Do not use Quetadin in people with the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity
• Dementia-related psychosis: Quetiapine is contraindicated for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis. In elderly patients with dementia, the use of antipsychotic medications, including quetiapine, has been associated with an increased risk of mortality.
• Cardiovascular conditions: Quetiapine should be used with caution in individuals with a history of cardiovascular diseases or conditions such as heart failure, heart attack, or arrhythmias. It may cause changes in heart rhythm or blood pressure, so close monitoring is necessary.
• Central nervous system depression: Quetiapine can cause sedation and central nervous system depression. It should be used cautiously or avoided in individuals with a history of significant central nervous system depression, including alcohol or drug abuse, as it may exacerbate these conditions.
• Seizure disorders: Quetiapine should be used with caution in individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy. It can lower the seizure threshold and increase the risk of seizures, especially at higher doses.
• Breastfeeding: Quetiapine is excreted into breast milk, so it should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. The potential risks and benefits should be carefully considered before using this medication during breastfeeding.

It’s important to discuss any medical conditions, allergies, or medications you are currently taking with your healthcare provider before starting quetiapine. They can evaluate your specific situation and determine if quetiapine is appropriate for you or if alternative treatments should be considered.

Quetadin may have the following side effects:

• Sedation and drowsiness: Quetiapine can cause drowsiness and sedation, particularly when starting the medication or when the dose is increased. This can affect your ability to concentrate, drive, or operate machinery.
• Weight gain: Quetiapine is known to cause weight gain in some individuals. It may lead to an increase in appetite and metabolic changes. Monitoring your weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage this side effect.
• Dry mouth: Quetiapine may cause dry mouth, which can be alleviated by drinking water, using sugar-free gum or lozenges, and practicing good oral hygiene.
• Constipation: Quetiapine can lead to constipation. Ensuring an adequate intake of fiber, fluids, and physical activity can help prevent or alleviate this side effect.
• Dizziness and orthostatic hypotension: Quetiapine may cause dizziness and a drop in blood pressure upon standing up, especially when starting the medication or increasing the dose. It’s important to rise slowly from sitting or lying down to minimize these effects.
• Increased risk of diabetes and high cholesterol: Quetiapine has been associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels. Regular monitoring of blood glucose and cholesterol levels is important, especially in individuals with existing risk factors.
• Extrapyramidal symptoms: Quetiapine may cause movement disorders known as extrapyramidal symptoms, such as tremors, muscle stiffness, restlessness, or involuntary movements. These side effects are less common with quetiapine compared to older antipsychotic medications.
• Increased risk of falls: Quetiapine can cause drowsiness and dizziness, increasing the risk of falls, especially in older adults. Caution should be exercised, and environmental modifications can help reduce this risk.

Keep in mind that your physician has recommended this drug since he or she has known that the advantage to you is more noteworthy than the risk of adverse reactions. Many individuals utilizing this medicine don’t have serious side effects.

A serious allergy to this medication is uncommon. In any case, seek emergency medical help if you see any manifestations of a serious allergic response, including a rash, tingling or swelling particularly of the face or tongue or throat, dizziness or difficulty in breathing.

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you see other effects not recorded above, contact your physician or pharmacist.

Precautions

Take extra caution in patients with the following medical conditions:

• Allergy and hypersensitivity: If you have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to quetiapine or any of its components, it’s important to avoid taking this medication. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider about any known allergies before starting quetiapine.
• Mental health conditions: Quetiapine is primarily used to treat psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, it should be used with caution in individuals with a history of mental health conditions, including depression, as it may worsen symptoms or increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional is essential.
• Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis: Quetiapine is contraindicated for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis in elderly patients due to an increased risk of mortality. The use of antipsychotic medications, including quetiapine, in this population has been associated with serious adverse effects.
• Cardiovascular conditions: Quetiapine can cause changes in heart rhythm or blood pressure, so caution should be exercised in individuals with a history of cardiovascular diseases or conditions such as heart failure, heart attack, or arrhythmias. Regular cardiovascular monitoring is important in these cases.
• Seizure disorders: Quetiapine may lower the seizure threshold and increase the risk of seizures, especially at higher doses. If you have a history of seizures or epilepsy, it’s important to use quetiapine with caution and under close medical supervision.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Quetiapine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. It is excreted into breast milk, so caution should be exercised when using quetiapine while breastfeeding. The risks and benefits should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
• Substance abuse: Quetiapine should be used with caution in individuals with a history of alcohol or drug abuse, as it may exacerbate these conditions. Close monitoring is necessary to ensure appropriate use.
• Driving and operating machinery: Quetiapine can cause sedation and drowsiness, which may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. It’s important to avoid activities that require alertness until you know how quetiapine affects you.

Prior to taking this medicine, tell your physician or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or if you have some other hypersensitivities. This drug may contain inert ingredients which can cause unfavorable side effects or different issues. Talk with your pharmacist for more information.

Interactions

Quetadin may interact with the following medicines:

• Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants: Quetiapine can enhance the sedative effects of other CNS depressants, such as benzodiazepines, opioids, and alcohol. This can lead to increased drowsiness and impaired cognitive function. It’s important to avoid or use caution when combining quetiapine with other medications that have sedating effects.
• Antihypertensive medications: Quetiapine can cause orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure upon standing up. When combined with antihypertensive medications, quetiapine can enhance this effect and increase the risk of low blood pressure. Close monitoring of blood pressure and adjusting the doses of these medications may be necessary.
• Anticholinergic medications: Quetiapine has anticholinergic properties, which can cause symptoms such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and urinary retention. When combined with other medications that also have anticholinergic effects, these symptoms may be intensified. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking to avoid excessive anticholinergic effects.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers: Quetiapine is metabolized in the liver by the enzyme CYP3A4. Medications that inhibit or induce this enzyme can affect the metabolism and effectiveness of quetiapine. Examples of CYP3A4 inhibitors include fluoxetine, paroxetine, and ketoconazole, while inducers include rifampin and carbamazepine. Dose adjustments may be necessary when starting or stopping these medications.
• Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice can inhibit the activity of CYP3A4, the enzyme responsible for metabolizing quetiapine. Consuming grapefruit juice while taking quetiapine may increase the levels of the medication in your body and lead to an increased risk of side effects. It’s advisable to avoid grapefruit juice or discuss its consumption with your healthcare provider.
• Other psychiatric medications: Quetiapine may interact with other psychiatric medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and mood stabilizers. These interactions can affect the levels and effectiveness of the medications and may require dose adjustments or close monitoring.

Inform your physician about the drugs you take including over-the-counter medications, prescribed drugs, supplements and vitamins.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Approach your physician or pharmacist for more details.

The effects of certain medications can change if you consume different medications or herbal products simultaneously. This can build your risk for side effects or may cause your drugs not to work effectively. These interactions are conceivable, yet don’t generally happen. Your physician or pharmacist can prevent or oversee interactions by changing how you utilize your prescriptions or by close checking.

While utilizing this drug, don’t start, stop, or change the dose of other medicines you are using without your physician’s advice.

If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor right away.

Available Brands:

• Quetadin