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Quetiapine / SeroquelProper use of this medication: * This medication is not addictive, and does not cause a high feeling. * Quetiapine must be taken on a regular basis for fullest benefit. * Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than prescribed. Do not miss any doses. * Do not stop taking this medication without first discussing this with your prescriber. * Avoid the use of alcohol, which may cause significant drowsiness and disorientation when used with quetiapine. * Quetiapine may be taken with or without food. * Persons who smoke more than a half pack of cigarettes of day may require higher doses. * Quetiapine should be stored at room temperature, away from places that change temperature, such as a bathroom. * Store this in a safe place away from the reach of children. This medication is usually well tolerated. Possible side effects include: * Occasional benign, brief elevation of liver function tests. * Weight gain: Exercise regularly to avoid excessive weight gain. * Low blood pressure: Usually occurs with standing from a lying or sitting position. Arise slowly and allow your body more time to adjust the blood pressure. * Sleepiness: Common, but usually mild and transient. * Nausea: May occur with high doses. Taking with food may help. * Cataracts: One study with dogs showed a possible increase in cataract formation. This has not yet been reported in humans. You should have your eyes examined every 6 months. * Other occasional side effects may include headache, dry mouth, dizziness, insomnia, constipation, and agitation. * Quetiapine may cause muscle stiffness, hand tremors, face and mouth movements, and rarely neuroleptic malignant syndrome (high fever, stiffness, and flu-like symptoms). These symptoms occur less often than with older typical anti-psychotic medications. If you experience any of these side effects call your prescriber immediately. The following other medications may require dosage adjustment while taking quetiapine: * Persons taking phenytoin/Dilantin, carbamazepine/Tegretol, phenobarbitol, or thioridazine/Mellaril may require higher doses of quetiapine. * Ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, erythroymycin. * Quetiapine may lower the effectiveness of lorazepam. |
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