Seroquel XR Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder. It often manifests in disabling symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and distorted ways of thinking. Patients may sometimes find it hard to make decisions and take part in everyday life.

Symptoms usually start in older teenagers and young adults. It is not known what causes schizophrenia but genetics and environmental factors are thought to play a role.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental and mood condition in which patients experience extreme changes in emotions, energy, and activity levels followed by relative calm. It is also called manic-depressive illness. Bipolar disorder cannot be cured but can be managed to give patients more productive lives.

Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that hampers people’s ability to carry out everyday activities. Patients often experience feelings of tiredness, loss of interest, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. Many feel like life is not worth living. Depression can be treated successfully but usually requires long-term treatment involving medications and psychotherapy.

Seroquel XR Active Ingredient

Generic Seroquel XR Alternative: Quetiapine Fumarate XR

Seroquel XR contains the active ingredient quetiapine XR, which helps restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Quetiapine XR is the extended-release formulation of the atypical antipsychotic medicine quetiapine.

General Drug Information

What is Seroquel XR and What Is It Used For?

Seroquel XR is used to treat patients with schizophrenia. It is prescribed to deal with sudden episodes of mania or depression associated with bipolar disorder. It is also part of combination treatment for depression.

Seroquel XR enables patients to participate more actively in everyday life. It can improve concentration, decrease hallucinations and anxiety, and control mood swings. It also improves sleep, energy levels, and appetite.

Usage and Application

Seroquel XR should be taken exactly as prescribed. The dosage depends on the patient’s condition, response to treatment, and other medications they may be taking. Patients should inform their doctor of all other prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements they are taking.

Most patients are prescribed one daily oral dose in the evening, without food or with a light meal. Patients should not split, crush, or chew the tablets. Doing so can release the active substance all at once, increasing the risk of negative side effects.

To reduce the risk of side effects, some patients are initially prescribed a low dose of Seroquel XR, increasing it gradually. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.

Patients should take Seroquel XR regularly in order to experience its full benefit. To prevent forgetting, patients are advised to take this medication at the same time each day. Do

not increase the dose or use this medication more often (or for longer than prescribed). Doing so will not improve your condition and will increase the risk of negative side effects.

Patients should continue taking Seroquel XR exactly as prescribed, even if they feel well. It is not safe to stop this medication without the prior approval of the treating physician. Some conditions may worsen when the medication is suddenly stopped.

Patients may experience a host of negative symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea, headache, irritability, and trouble sleeping. To avoid these symptoms, many patients have their dose decreased gradually.

Patients should inform their doctor if their condition persists or worsens.

Considerations Before Taking Seroquel XR

Before starting treatment patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to Seroquel XR.

Patients should also discuss their medical history, especially any history of liver disease, eye cataracts, and low white blood count. The treating physician should be notified of issues such as seizure disorders, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol/triglycerides, and heart disease.

It is important to report if the patient has sleep apnea or any stomach problems like severe constipation, bowel obstruction, or ileus. The doctor should be notified if the patient experiences any trouble swallowing or difficulty urinating. It is also imperative to disclose any personal or family history of diabetes or substance abuse.

Seroquel XR may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Patients should not drive, operate machinery, or carry out other tasks that require alertness or clear vision until the effects of this medication are known and they are sure they can do such activities safely. Patients should avoid alcohol and discuss marijuana use with their doctor, as these substances can cause dizziness.

Some patients taking this medication may develop a condition affecting heart rhythm. This condition is called QT prolongation and can cause irregular heartbeat or other serious symptoms such as dizziness and fainting.

The risk of developing QT prolongation is higher in patients with certain medical conditions. Some medications also can increase the risk. Before starting treatment, patients should inform their doctor or pharmacist of all medications they are taking.

They should also alert their physician if they suffer from slow heartbeat or heart failure, or whether they have QT prolongation detected by an electrocardiogram. Patients with a family history of QT prolongation or sudden cardiac death are also more at risk.

The risk of developing QT prolongation is higher in people with low levels of potassium and/or magnesium in the blood. Patients should be aware that diarrhea, vomiting, or severe sweating can also reduce levels of potassium and magnesium in the blood. Diuretic pills can have a similar effect.

Seroquel XR may reduce the ability to sweat, increasing the likelihood of heat stroke. Patients should avoid any activities that may cause them to overheat. This includes exercising or working hard in hot weather. Using hot tubs is also discouraged. Cool down and rest if you feel any symptoms of overheating.

When outdoors in hot weather, patients should dress lightly and drink plenty of fluids. Seek immediate medical help in the event of symptoms like persistent fever, dizziness, headache, and mood changes.

Patients preparing for surgery or certain dental procedures should inform their doctor or dentist about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products they are taking.

Parents with children who may be prescribed Seroquel XR should discuss all risks and benefits with the child’s doctor. Children may be more at risk of certain negative Seroquel XR side effects, such as high blood pressure and increased levels of the hormone prolactin.

Older adults are more likely to experience negative symptoms like drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness, which increases the risk of falling. Older patients also face a higher risk of developing QT prolongation.

This medication may only be used when clearly needed during pregnancy. Women who are planning on getting pregnant (or suspect they may be pregnant) should contact their doctor immediately to discuss the risks and benefits of Seroquel XR treatment. Women should not stop taking this medication unless directed by their doctor.

There is a small risk that babies born to mothers who have been taking Seroquel XR during the last trimester may develop a number of negative symptoms, including muscle stiffness or shakiness, drowsiness, constant crying, and feeding or breathing difficulties. Parents should seek medical help should they notice these symptoms in their children, especially during the first month.

This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Women should consult their doctor before breastfeeding.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Seroquel XR should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up on the dose in order to catch up.

Other Medications and Seroquel XR

Drug interactions may change the way Seroquel XR works and may increase the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss all medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Patients should be aware that, besides Seroquel XR, a number of other drugs may cause QT prolongation. Examples include antiarrhythmic drugs like Cordarone and Procan SR, as well as Sorine (both an antiarrhythmic and beta-blocker). The antibiotic moxifloxacin and the antipsychotic drug thioridazine also have a similar effect.

A number of other medications may produce negative interactions because they affect the removal of Seroquel XR from the body, affecting how it works. Examples include rifamycin antibiotics, such as rifampin, and drugs used to treat seizures (like phenytoin). Antifungal medications like itraconazole and ketoconazole have a similar effect.

Patients should be wary when taking other medications that cause drowsiness. These include cough and opioid pain relievers like codeine or hydrocodone. Patients should check the labels of all allergy and cough-and-cold products for ingredients that may cause drowsiness, and discuss the safe use of such products with their pharmacist.

Muscle relaxants like carisoprodol and cyclobenzaprine – as well as antihistamines like cetirizine and diphenhydramine – may also cause drowsiness. Alcohol or marijuana have the same effect, as do drugs for sleep and anxiety like alprazolam, lorazepam, and zolpidem.

Seroquel XR may interfere with certain laboratory results. Patients should alert laboratory personnel about the possibility of faulty results.

Adverse Reactions

Most patients are able to use Seroquel XR safely without serious side effects.

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Patients should note this increases the risk of falling. Get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Additional common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, upset stomach, tiredness, blurred vision, and weight gain. Inform your doctor should these effects persist or worsen.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Serious side effects include restlessness, shaking, and mood changes like anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Patients should also monitor for signs of infection such as fever and persistent sore throat, as well for issues like difficulty swallowing, constipation with abdominal pain, and persistent vomiting. Additional side effects include loss of appetite, yellowing eyes or skin, sleep apnea, and trouble urinating.

It is important to seek immediate medical help in the event of symptoms like severe dizziness, seizure, and fainting.

Diabetes

Diabetic patients should be aware that In rare cases, Seroquel XR may increase blood sugar levels, manifesting in symptoms like increased thirst and urination. Diabetic patients should check their blood sugar regularly and share the results with their doctor.

The treating physician may need to adjust their medication, exercise program, and diet. All patients should monitor for symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst and urination.

Some patients may experience significant weight gain and a rise in blood cholesterol and/or triglycerides. Coupled with pre-existing diabetes, this may increase the risk of heart disease.

Other Risks

In some patients, Seroquel XR use may be a risk factor for developing tardive dyskinesia, manifesting in involuntary, repetitive body movements. Patients should notify the treating physician if they notice any unusual movements, especially in the face, mouth, tongue, arms, or legs.

In rare cases, patients may develop a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. This condition manifests in symptoms such as fever, severe tiredness and confusion, sweating, and irregular heartbeat. Additional symptoms include muscle stiffness or pain, dark urine, and changes in the amount of urine. Seek medical help in the event of such symptoms.

This medicine may increase levels of the hormone prolactin produced by the body. In women, this can lead to unwanted production of breast milk, irregular periods, or difficulty conceiving. Men may experience decreased sexual ability, enlarged breasts, or inability to produce sperm. Patients should report these symptoms immediately to their doctor.

Some male patients may experience painful and prolonged erections which last four hours or more. Stop treatment and seek immediate medical help.

Serious allergic reactions to Seroquel XR are rare, yet patients should be aware of symptoms including rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

How to Store Seroquel XR

Seroquel XR should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.

Seroquel XR Coupon

Although Seroquel XR coupons are available with other online pharmacies, customers will find that UDS prices are often much lower.