Seroquel - Quetiapine

What is it?

Composition

Seroquel is available in tablet form, each of which contains the active substance - quetiapine fumarate. This chemical compound is a derivative of dibenzothiazepine and the main component that has a therapeutic effect. Depending on the dosage, the amount of quetiapine in the tablets may vary.

In addition to the active substance, Seroquel tablets also contain auxiliary components that help maintain the structure of the tablet, improve its absorption and stability. The composition may include:

• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Lactose
• Povidone
• Magnesium stearate
• Talc
• Hypromellose

These substances do not have a therapeutic effect, but are necessary to ensure the correct shape, texture and shelf life of the drug.

How to use?

The correct use of Seroquel requires strict adherence to the doctors recommendations. The dosage and frequency of administration depend on the specific disease, the patients condition and their response to therapy. Tablets are usually taken 1-2 times a day, regardless of food intake.

Here are the main stages of using Seroquel:

1. Initial dose: The doctor usually prescribes a small dose, which is gradually increased so that the body adapts to the drug and reduces the risk of side effects.
2. Maintenance dose: After reaching the required dose, the patient continues to take the drug for a long time to maintain a stable condition.
3. Dose reduction: If it is necessary to stop treatment, the dose is reduced gradually to avoid withdrawal syndrome.

It is important to take the tablets at the same time every day and not to skip doses. If a dose is missed, do not double the next dose - just take the next tablet at the usual time and continue the course of treatment.

How does it work?

Seroquel affects brain chemistry by altering the activity of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. These substances play a key role in regulating mood, behavior, and perception of the world around us. In patients with mental disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, the balance of these neurotransmitters may be disrupted, leading to symptoms such as hallucinations, mania, depression, or anxiety.

Seroquel binds to serotonin and dopamine receptors, normalizing their activity and thereby reducing the severity of psychosis symptoms and stabilizing mood. Due to this mechanism of action, the drug helps reduce psychotic episodes, improves cognitive function, and the general condition of patients. Seroquel also helps restore sleep and reduce anxiety levels, which is important for overall improvement in the quality of life in mental disorders.

Indications

Seroquel is used to treat a number of mental disorders, where it helps stabilize the condition and improve the patients quality of life. The main indications for prescribing this drug include:

• Schizophrenia: Seroquel helps reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and confusion, improving the patients overall condition.
• Bipolar disorder: The drug is used to treat both mania and hypomania, as well as depression in this disorder. It helps stabilize mood and prevent sudden changes.
• Depression: As part of combination therapy, Seroquel can be used to treat resistant depression when other antidepressants have not worked.
• Exacerbation of psychotic symptoms: The drug can be prescribed in acute situations to quickly stabilize the patients mental state.

A doctor may also prescribe Seroquel in other cases where it is necessary to regulate serotonin and dopamine levels to improve mental health.

Contraindications

Before starting treatment with Seroquel, it is important to consider a number of contraindications, in which the use of the drug may be unsafe. The drug is not recommended for use in the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity or allergy to quetiapine or any other components of the drug.
• Severe liver disease, since quetiapine is metabolized in the liver, and its dysfunction can lead to accumulation of the drug in the body.
• Concomitant use with other drugs that affect the central nervous system, without strict medical supervision, especially in the presence of respiratory depression or severe sedation.
• Age under 18 years: Seroquel is not recommended for use in children and adolescents due to insufficient data on safety and efficacy.

Caution should also be exercised when prescribing the drug to people with cardiovascular diseases, seizure disorders, or a tendency to hypotension. In such cases, careful monitoring of the patients condition is required throughout the entire treatment period.

Side effects

Like any medication, Seroquel can cause side effects, which can vary in severity from person to person. Although not everyone experiences them, it is important to be aware of possible reactions to the drug. The most common side effects include:

• Drowsiness: This is one of the most common side effects, especially at the beginning of treatment, but may decrease over time.
• Dizziness: Particularly when standing up suddenly from a sitting or lying position, which is associated with a possible decrease in blood pressure.
• Weight gain: Some patients report significant weight gain during long-term use of Seroquel.
• Dry mouth: An unpleasant sensation that may be accompanied by thirst.
• Constipation: This is quite common with the drug, requiring dietary adjustments and possibly laxatives.

In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as changes in blood sugar levels, abnormal heart rhythms, or symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. If unusual or severe symptoms occur, you should immediately contact your doctor.