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What
is Seroquel?
Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate), an oral medication for the
management of the manifestations of psychotic disorders (including
schizophrenia), was approved by the FDA for marketing in 1997.
Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic agent in chemical class
called dibenzothiazepine derivatives. Seroquel is manufactured
by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.
What
does Seroquel treat?
Findings from extensive clinical trials have shown Seroquel
to be effective in the treatment of both positive (e.g., delusions,
thought disorder, and hallucinations) and negative (e.g.,
social withdrawal, lack of energy, apathy, and reduced ability
to express emotion) symptoms of schizophrenia. Seroquel affects
a broad range of neurotransmitter receptors, including dopamine
and serotonin receptors. In comparative clinical trials, Seroquel
has been shown to be as effective as standard antipsychotic
agents, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and haloperidol
(Haldol). Seroquel may also be useful to treat acute mania
and is frequently prescribed to treat agitation and severe
anxiety in people with a wide range of psychotic illnesses.
What
are the advantages of Seroquel over other antipsychotics?
The reported clinical studies show that Seroquel has "full
antipsychotic activity" and the advantage of fewer or
less severe motor side effects. In test groups unwanted reactions
were usually rated mild to moderate, and the active-treatment
groups did not differ from the placebo group in scores measuring
akathisia (complaints of restlessness accompanied by fidgety
movements) or involuntary movements. Tremor did not develop
in any patient receiving active treatment.
What
is the standard dose of Seroquel?
Seroquel is available by prescription throughout the U.S.
in strengths of 25 mg (peach), 100 mg (yellow), and 200 mg
(white) tablets. In clinical trials, it was effective in a
dose range of 150 mg/day to 750 mg/day. A maximum therapeutic
effect was seen at 300 mg/day in a dosing trial. In other
studies, doses in the range of 400-500 mg/day were effective.
Taking Seroquel two to three times a day is recommended.
What
are the most common side effects of Seroquel?
Reported side effects are similar to those seen with other
antipsychotics. These include sleepiness; hypotension (abnormally
low blood pressure); digestive problems (constipation, dry
mouth, indigestion); and dizziness. Such effects are usually
seen when the medication is first taken. They are mild and
generally improve without specific treatment. There is a warning
on the label for Seroquel of possible risk for cataract formation
and periodic eye examinations are recommended. However, since
its release in 1997, this side effect has not been observed
with any frequency in those being treated with Seroquel and
many now doubt that this is really an issue.
How
long should I stay on Seroquel?
Consumers with schizophrenia usually need long-term medication
treatment. As with all antipsychotic medications, regular
monitoring by a physician is recommended
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