What is Quetiapine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Quetiapine

• Take your medicine as directed. 

• Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. 

• Extended-release quetiapine is usually taken at bedtime because it causes sleepiness.

• Please read the medication guide that comes with this medicine before taking quetiapine.

• Immediate-release quetiapine tablets can be taken with or without food.

• Extended-release quetiapine tablets should be taken on an empty stomach or with a light meal.

• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, split, or chew it.

• Store quetiapine tablets at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Quetiapine

• Take a missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. 

• Do not take two doses at the same time unless instructed to do so by the doctor.

Quetiapine contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to quetiapine.

Quetiapine warnings

• Tell any healthcare provider or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine. Quetiapine can affect important urine tests.

• Your healthcare provider will regularly do lab tests and exams to monitor the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Tell your healthcare provider about all medical conditions you have, especially:

  • Diabetes or high blood sugar

  • A family history of diabetes or high blood sugar

  • High cholesterol or triglycerides

  • Blood pressure problems

  • A history of heart attack, stroke, or other heart and blood vessel problems

  • Seizures

  • Liver problems

  • Thyroid problems

  • Cataracts

  • High eye pressure

  • Low white blood cell counts

  • Urinary retention problems or enlarged prostate

  • Constipation

• This medicine may cause the following problems:

  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a nerve and muscle problem)

  • High blood sugar

  • High cholesterol or triglyceride levels

  • High blood pressure (in children and teens)

  • Involuntary facial and other movements (tardive dyskinesia)

  • Cataracts or other eye problems

  • Heart rhythm problems

  • Underactive thyroid

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Increased risk of seizures

  • Withdrawal

• This medicine may cause depression or thoughts of suicide. Make sure family members know about this. Always tell your healthcare provider about any behavior changes, depression, intense feelings, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others.

• This medicine may make it more difficult for your body to cool down. You could have a heat stroke if you exercise too hard, the weather is too hot, or you are wearing heavy clothes. 

• This medicine may cause you to get infections easily because it can lower the number of white blood cells. Take precautions to prevent illness. Avoid people who are ill, and wash your hands often.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy or may cause trouble with thinking or controlling body movements, which may lead to falls, fractures, or other injuries. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• This medicine can make you faint and dizzy when you stand up, making you vulnerable to falls and injuries. This can be prevented by standing or changing position slowly. When you feel faint, sit or lie down and wait it out.

• This medicine increases the risk of stroke and death in people older than 65 with dementia-related psychosis. Quetiapine should not be used for this condition.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your healthcare provider will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Keep quetiapine tablets securely out of the reach of children.

Quetiapine interactions

• To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use before taking quetiapine.

• Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

• Some medicines can affect how quetiapine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:

  • Drugs that treat psychiatric disorders or mood disorders

  • Heart rhythm medications

  • Blood pressure medications

  • Drugs that treat seizures

  • Antifungal pills

  • Antibiotics

  • Drugs that treat HIV/AIDS

  • Anticholinergic drugs

  • Cancer drugs

  • Drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors

  • Cisapride, metoclopramide, dopamine, levodopa, mifepristone, methadone, nefazodone, rifampin, tacrolimus, St John's wort 

• Tell your healthcare provider if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are: 

  • Antihistamines

  • Narcotic pain medicine

  • Sleeping pills

  • Barbiturates

  • Benzodiazepines

  • Cannabis products

  • Alcohol

• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice when using quetiapine.

• Do not drink alcohol or use cannabis products while you are using this medicine.

Find more detailed information about quetiapine interactions to avoid here.