Seroquel Tablet 100mg

About Seroquel Tablet 100mg

Uses

• Treatment of schizophrenia in adults and adolescents
• Management of manic episodes linked to bipolar I disorder
• Treatment of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder
• Add on therapy with antidepressants for major depressive disorder
• Long term maintenance therapy for bipolar disorder when combined with lithium or valproate

Benefits

• Reduces hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thinking in schizophrenia
• Stabilizes mood swings between mania and depression in bipolar disorder
• Improves sleep quality due to its calming and sedating action
• Works as an add on option when antidepressants alone do not control depression fully
• Available in a lower dose form that allows flexible titration for sensitive patients

What Experts Say

Quetiapine works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 2A receptors in the brain. This dual action helps control psychotic symptoms while lowering the risk of movement related side effects compared to older antipsychotics. It also affects histamine and adrenergic receptors, which explains its calming effect.

Clinicians usually start quetiapine at a low dose and increase it gradually to reduce dizziness and sedation during the first few days. The 100mg strength is often used during this titration phase before reaching a stable maintenance dose. Response to treatment is monitored over several weeks.

Regular monitoring of weight, blood sugar and lipid levels is recommended because quetiapine can affect metabolism over time. Experts advise against sudden discontinuation since this can trigger withdrawal symptoms or a return of psychiatric symptoms. Treatment decisions should always involve a psychiatrist.

Drug Class

• Atypical antipsychotic, also called second generation antipsychotic
• Dibenzothiazepine derivative

Seroquel Tablet 100mg formula

• Quetiapine Fumarate 100mg

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Seroquel Tablet 100mg?

• Take exactly as prescribed by your psychiatrist, usually once or twice daily
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water
• Can be taken with or without food
• Dose is usually started low and increased gradually over several days
• Avoid grapefruit juice as it can raise quetiapine levels in the blood
• Do not stop the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor
• Take at the same time each day to maintain a steady level in the body

Drug Interactions

• Alcohol, sedatives, sleeping pills and opioid painkillers can add to drowsiness and slow breathing
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin and ritonavir can raise quetiapine levels in the blood
• CYP3A4 inducers such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin and St. John's Wort can reduce the effectiveness of quetiapine
• Other medicines that prolong the QT interval, including certain antiarrhythmics and antibiotics, can increase the risk of irregular heartbeat when combined
• Blood pressure lowering medicines may increase the chance of dizziness or fainting when taken together
• Levodopa and other dopamine agonists may work less well when combined with quetiapine

Risks and warnings

• Elderly patients with dementia related psychosis face a higher risk of death when treated with this medicine, it is not approved for this use
• May increase suicidal thoughts and behavior, especially in children, teenagers and young adults under 25 years of age
• Can cause significant weight gain, high blood sugar and abnormal cholesterol levels over time
• May cause a rare but serious reaction called neuroleptic malignant syndrome with high fever, muscle stiffness and confusion
• Can lower blood pressure on standing up, leading to dizziness, fainting or falls, especially during the first days of treatment
• May prolong the QT interval of the heart, raising the risk of a dangerous irregular heartbeat
• Can lower white blood cell counts, which raises the risk of infection
• Long term use may lead to changes in the eye lens, periodic eye exams are recommended
• Should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless clearly advised by a doctor
• Not recommended for people with a history of seizures without close medical supervision

Seroquel Tablet 100mg Side Effects

• Drowsiness and sedation, especially during the first week
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Constipation
• Low blood pressure when standing up
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue and weakness
• Elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels
• Mild headache

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep the tablets in their original pack until use
• Store out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack