Seroquin

Seroquin (Quetiapine Fumarate) is an oral medication for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. It has been found to be effective in treating symptoms, while causing few of the unpleasant side effects of older medications.

You should take Seroquin (Quetiapine Fumarate) tablets every day or as your physician has directed. To gain the most benefits from this medicine, take the exact number of tablets your physician has prescribed for you each day at the appropriate times. Regardless of how good or how bad you feel, do not stop taking the tablets without notifying your physician.

Seroquin (Quetiapine Fumarate) may cause the following reactions; drowsiness, weight gain, fainting, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, indigestion, abdominal pain, abnormal vision, decrease in appetite, decreased strength and energy, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, increased muscle tone, increased sweating, stuffy or runny nose, fever, chills, muscle aches, sore throat, loss of balance control, shuffling walk, skin rash, slowed movements, stiffness of arms or legs, swelling of feet or lower legs, trembling and shaking of hands and fingers, trouble in breathing speaking, or swallowing, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).

If you develop muscle stiffness, confusion, irregular or rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, and high fever call your physician immediately. These are signs of a serious--and potentially fatal--reaction to the drug. Be especially wary if you have a history of heart attack, heart disease, heart failure, circulation problems, or irregular heartbeat.

Particularly during the first few days of therapy, Seroquin (Quetiapine Fumarate) can cause low blood pressure, with accompanying dizziness, fainting, and rapid heartbeat. To minimize these effects, your physician will increase your dose gradually. If you are prone to low blood pressure, take blood pressure medication, or become dehydrated, use it with caution.

This medicine also tends to cause drowsiness, especially at the start of therapy, and can impair your judgment, thinking, and motor skills. Until you are certain of the drug`s effect, use caution when operating machinery or driving a car. If you are having problems with your vision, tell your physician.

There is a chance that it may cause cataracts, and you may be asked to see an eye physician when you start treatment, and every 6 months thereafter.

This medicine poses a very slight risk of seizures, especially if you are over 65, or have epilepsy or Alzheimer`s disease. It can also suppress an underactive thyroid, and generally causes a minor increase in cholesterol levels.

There is also a remote chance that it will trigger a prolonged and painful erection. Other antipsychotic medications have been known to interfere with the body`s temperature-regulating mechanism, causing patients to overheat. Although this problem has not occurred with this medicine, caution is still advisable. Avoid exposure to extreme heat, strenuous exercise, and dehydration.