It's an antipsychotic medicine that works by affecting chemicals in your brain such as dopamine and serotonin. It does not cure your condition, but it can help with the symptoms. Quetiapine is only available on prescription.
the antipsychotic drugs haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone may be offered as mood stabilisers, as part of the treatment of bipolar disorder. The antipsychotic asenapine is also offered as a mood stabiliser, to treat mania.
Lithium, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics are the three main types of drug which are used as mood stabilisers. There are several types of individual drug within each of these groups. Each of these individual drugs may be known by several different names, some of which we have listed in these pages.
It helps you to think more clearly and positively about yourself, feel less nervous, and take a more active part in everyday life. It may also improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level. Quetiapine can help prevent severe mood swings or decrease how often mood swings occur.
The main effect that quetiapine has is to block the effects of dopamine in the brain, resulting in a reduction of symptoms. Quetiapine also has effects on other neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin, and its beneficial effects may be related to this as well.
At standard doses used for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, quetiapine has been associated with weight gain and increased levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Drugs such as quetiapine raise the risk of death in seniors who have dementia. Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors warning: During the first few months of treatment, quetiapine may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults.
Long-Term Seroquel Use and Muscle Problems
Some of the most common side effects emerging among long-term quetiapine patients include muscle issues. The side effects reported range from simple annoyances like stiff muscles to debilitating conditions like constant involuntary movement in the mouth.
Lithium is commonly used to treat depression and mania in bipolar disorder. It was approved by the FDA in 1970 and is still used in a number of cases today. It can be prescribed alone or along with other medications that treat bipolar disorder.
Quetiapine is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, sudden episodes of mania or depression associated with bipolar disorder). Drugs used to treat depression can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits.
Quetiapine calms and sedates and is used to help reduce the incidence of psychotic thoughts in people with schizophrenia. Quetiapine also helps to calm acute manic episodes in people with bipolar I disorder. It may be used as the sole therapy or in addition to lithium or Divalproex.
Quetiapine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before starting to take it if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to quetiapine or any other medicine. have a heart problem such as an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting sedatives that work within 30 minutes to an hour. Because of their high addictive potential, however, benzodiazepines should only be used until your mood stabilizer or antidepressant begins to work. Those with a history of substance abuse should be particularly cautious.
SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft. Common SNRI brands are Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor XR. Pros: They are effective for a lot of people and they have a solid safety profile.
The simplest answer to this question is “it depends.” Much of the information available says that—once you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder—you will have to take medication for the rest of your life. Most commonly included medications are Lithium, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics.
Adults—At first, 25 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 750 mg per day. Children 13 to 17 years of age—At first, 25 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day.
Quetiapine can cause postural hypotension so it should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease. Other common adverse effects are somnolence, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness and altered liver function.
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.
Long term (months or years) elevated prolactin levels can lead to osteoporosis, or increased risk of bone fractures. Some people may develop muscle related side effects while taking quetiapine. The technical terms for these are “extrapyramidal symptoms” (EPS) and “tardive dyskinesia” (TD).
In addition to its antihistamine effects, Seroquel also blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, which may contribute to its sedative effects. But may also dampen the reward system which can make life feel a little dull. Some people even describe feeling like a zombie, especially at higher doses.
Dose related toxicity: In adolescents who have ingested less than 3 grams expect mild CNS depression and tachycardia. Ingestions greater than 3 grams can cause delirium, coma, hypotension and (rarely) seizures (<5%).