How to Use

To enjoy the full benefits of Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate), you need to take this medication regularly and at approximately the same times every day. Inform your doctor if you stop taking this medication for more than a week at a time, as you may need to start from a low dosage again afterwards.

Keep using Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) for as long as your doctor deems it necessary, even if you are feeling better. In some cases, suddenly stopping this medication could make the condition grow worse or cause a number of withdrawal symptoms. If your doctor does decide you should stop taking this medication, you should be weaned off it gradually over the course of a few weeks.

Overdose

Potential symptoms of a Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) overdose include:

• Drowsiness
• Rapid pulse
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Dizziness

If you think you have taken too much of this medication, contact your local poison control center or the emergency medical service immediately.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate), take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dosage, skip the missed dose and then continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on this medication to try and make up for a missed dose.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others, as they may have condition that is not adequately treated with Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate).

Storage

Store Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) at approximately 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) and keep away from light and moisture. Once finished, dispose of this medication in keeping with environmental standards. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Important Note

Precautions

• Any allergies
• Alzheimer's disease
• Low blood pressure
• Disease of the blood vessels in the brain (e.g. stroke)
• Blood disorders (e.g. leukopenia, neutropenia)
• A severe loss of body water (dehydration)
• Certain eye problems (cataracts)
• Liver disease
• Seizures
• Trouble swallowing
• Thyroid problems
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Diabetes
• Heart diseases (such as chest pain, heart attack)
• High blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels
• High blood pressure
• Obesity

If any of the above conditions feature in your personal or family history, you may not be able to take Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) or you may need a dosage adjustment.

Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) could cause QT prolongation, a severe and rarely fatal condition that affects the heart rhythm. Symptoms of QT prolongation  require emergency medical attention and may include:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Severe Dizziness
• Fainting

You could be at higher risk of QT prolongation if you suffer from any of the following conditions:

• Certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG)
• Family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
• Severe sweating
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Your risk may also be increased if you are currently taking diuretics (water pills).

Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) may cause dizziness or drowsiness. It is therefore advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery while taking this medication, at least until you are sure you can safely perform these activities.

Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) may cause you to gain weight and may severely increase your cholesterol levels. This, in turn, may put you more at risk of developing heart conditions.

In some cases, Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) could cause an increase glucose level in the blood, which could lead to a diabetic coma. It is imperative you inform your doctor straightaway if you experience any symptoms of high blood sugar, including:

• Unusual increased thirst or urination
• Vision changes

If you already are diabetic, you will need to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels.

Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) may increase your risk of heat stroke. Make sure to drink a lot of water, dress lightly and stay in cool places during hot weather. Also avoid activities that could make you overheat, such as vigorous exercise or physical work.

Elderly people may be more sensitive to some of the side effects of this medication, such as dizziness. Therefore caution is advised.

Grapefruit may increase the amount of Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) in your bloodstream. Limit the use of grapefruit (including juice and other grapefruit products) while taking this medication.

Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) is classified as Pregnancy Category C, which means it could potentially cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without informing your doctor first if you are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future.

It is not known if Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. If you are currently breastfeeding you should not take this medication.

Drug Interactions

Before taking Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate), inform your doctor of all other medications you are currently taking, especially:

• Sibutramine
• Anticholinergics (e.g. belladonna alkaloids, benztropine, scopolamine)
• Dopamine-like drugs (e.g. bromocriptine, cabergoline)
• Levodopa
• Rifabutin
• Medication for treating high blood pressure (e.g. alpha blockers such as prazosin, calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem, diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide)
• Medication affecting liver enzymes that remove quetiapine from your body (e.g. azole antifungals such as fluconazole, ketoconazole or itraconazole, barbiturates such as Phenobarbital, glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone, macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin, rifampin, certain anti-seizure medicines such as carbamazepine or phenytoin, thioridazine)
• Thyroid medication (e.g. thyroxine)
• Certain antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine)
• Anti-seizure medication (e.g. carbamazepine)
• Medicines for sleep or anxiety (e.g. alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem)
• Muscle relaxants
• Narcotic pain relievers (e.g. codeine)
• Psychiatric medicines (e.g. chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone)
• Any medications containing ingredients that may cause drowsiness

Also, do not combine any of the following medications with Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate), as this may increase your risk of seizures:

• Bupropion
• Isoniazid (INH)
• Other antipsychotics (e.g. chlorpromazine)
• Tramadol
• Theophylline
• Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline)

This is only a partial list and other medications may negatively interact with Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate). Notify your doctor of all other prescription and non-prescription medication you are currently using, including vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements, herbal pills and medicines prescribed by other doctors. Do not start or stop using any medication without discussing this with your doctor first.

Common side effects of Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) may include:

• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Stomach pain or upset
• Tiredness
• Weight gain
• Nasal congestion
• Dry mouth

The above side effects are usually mild and should only last temporarily. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if these side effects persist or worsen.

Inform your doctor straightaway if you experience any of the following unlikely but serious side effects:

• Restlessness or constant need to move
• Shakiness (tremor)
• Slow, shuffling walk
• Signs of infection (e.g. fever, persistent sore throat)
• Mental or mood changes (e.g. increased anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Weakness
• Swelling of the arms, legs or feet

Seek urgent medical attention if you have any of these rare but very serious side effects:

• Seizures
• Vision changes
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Severe dizziness
• Fainting

Rarely, Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) may cause a severe allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

If you suddenly stop taking Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) after prolonged or regular use, you may experience any of the following withdrawal symptoms:

• Trouble sleeping
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Irritability

Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately.

Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) could increase your levels of prolactin, a naturally occurring chemical in the body. This could cause the following problems in women:

• Unwanted breast milk
• Missed or stopped periods
• Difficulty becoming pregnant

Men with increased prolactin levels may develop:

• Decreased sexual ability
• Inability to produce sperm
• Enlarged breasts

Any of the above symptoms or conditions should be alerted to your physician immediately. Men suffering from a painful or prolonged erection (lasting longer than 4 hours) as a result of taking this medication should stop using Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) straightaway and seek emergency medical attention to avoid permanent damage.

In rare cases, the use of Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) may cause tardive dyskinesia (a condition characterized by involuntary movements), which could be permanent. Inform your doctor if you develop any uncontrolled or unusual movements (especially of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, arms and legs).

Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) could also cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a serious disorder of the nervous system. Any of the following rare but very serious side effects will require immediate medical attention:

• Muscle stiffness
• High fever
• Increased sweating
• Fast heartbeat
• Mental or mood changes
• Change in the amount of urine

Elderly people with dementia who take this medication may be at increased risk of potentially fatal side effects, such as a stroke or heart attack. Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) should never be used as a first-line treatment of dementia.

This is only a partial list and other side effects of Generic Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate) may occur. Notify your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any side effects other than the ones mentioned above.