Quetiapine is a type of antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, as well as mania and depression associated with bipolar disorder. Schizophrenia is a mental condition characterized by abnormal emotions, thoughts, and disturbances, often resulting from imbalances in neurotransmitter levels. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and suicidal ideation. Mania and depression are the two contrasting episodes experienced in bipolar disorder, with mania manifesting as euphoria, high energy, and irritability, while depression brings feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of motivation.
What conditions is quetiapine prescribed for?
Quetiapine is prescribed to patients with schizophrenia, as well as for managing episodes of mania and depression associated with bipolar disorder. It may be used in combination with other medications to address symptoms of bipolar disorder.
How does quetiapine function?
The precise mechanism of action of quetiapine is not fully understood, but studies suggest that the drug acts on neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine. Dopamine, also referred to as the "happy chemical," transmits signals in the brain to promote feelings of pleasure and happiness.
Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for controlling motor functions, movement, and breathing, as well as potentially influencing serotonin, a chemical that regulates mood, appetite, sleep, and other behaviors, and facilitates communication between nerve cells.
What are the most common adverse effects of quetiapine?
Common side effects of quetiapine may include hives, rash, or blisters; fainting, seizures, or falls; changes in vision; neck, throat, or muscle stiffness; breathing or swallowing difficulties; signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, or painful urination; confusion; increased sweating; prolonged painful erections; involuntary movements in the lips, face, tongue, legs, or arms; rapid or irregular heartbeat; and protruding tongue.
When will quetiapine start to take effect?
It may require a few weeks or more for the effects of quetiapine to become noticeable. It's important to keep your doctor informed about how you are feeling during the initial weeks of taking the medication, as adjustments to the dosage may be necessary.
What is the usual starting dose of quetiapine?
When starting quetiapine, your doctor will typically prescribe a dose of 50 to 100 mg to be taken 1 or 2 times per day, with or without food. Depending on your response to this initial dose, your doctor may gradually increase it up to a maximum of 800 mg/day.
