Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate)

Seroquel is a medicine used to treat schizophrenia. This medicine is also used alone or in combination with lithium or divalproex to treat manic or depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder.

Seroquel can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. Your doctor will monitor you closely for clinical worsening, suicidal or unusual behaviour after you start taking Seroquel or a new dose of Seroquel. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience anxiety, hostility, sleeplessness, restlessness, impulsive or dangerous behavior, or thoughts about suicide or dying; or if you have new symptoms or seem to be feeling worse. Seroquel can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) (a life-threatening brain disorder). NMS is a medical emergency. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience high fever, muscle rigidity, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, changes in your blood pressure, or increased sweating. Seroquel can cause an increase in your blood sugar levels or diabetes. Tell your doctor if you experience excessive thirst, an increase in urination, an increase in appetite, or weakness. If you have diabetes or are at risk for diabetes, monitor your blood sugar regularly, as determined by your doctor. Seroquel can cause tardive dyskinesia (abnormal muscle movements, including tremor, shuffling and uncontrolled, involuntary movements). Tell your doctor if you experience uncontrollable muscle movements. Seroquel can cause a sudden decrease in your blood pressure with dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and faintness. Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, brain disorders (such as stroke), or other conditions that can cause low blood pressure. Seroquel can cause high blood pressure in children and adolescents. Your doctor will check your child’s blood pressure before starting Seroquel and during treatment. Seroquel can lower the ability of your body to fight infections. Tell your doctor if you develop signs of an infection (such as a fever, sore throat, rash, or chills). Seroquel can also cause hyperprolactinemia (an increase in a hormone called prolactin, which can affect lactation, menstruation, and fertility). Tell your doctor immediately if you experience missed menstrual periods, leakage of milk from your breasts, development of the breasts in men, or problems with erections. Seroquel can cause a type of abnormal heartbeat that can be dangerous and life-threatening. Do not take Seroquel with other medications that can cause this irregular heartbeat (such as amiodarone, chlorpromazine, levomethadyl acetate, methadone, pentamidine, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, thioridazine, or ziprazidone) or certain antibiotics (such as gatifloxacin or moxifloxacin). Seroquel can cause a prolonged, painful erection. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems (such as impotence). Tell your doctor right away if this happens.