Quetiapine 400mg SR

Uses of Quetiapine 400mg SR

• Schizophrenia: Treats and reduces symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
• Bipolar Disorder: Manages manic, depressive, and mixed episodes and helps maintain mood stability.
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Used as an adjunctive treatment in MDD when other medications are insufficient.

How Does Quetiapine 400mg SR Work?

Quetiapine works by blocking dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. This action helps regulate mood, thoughts, and behavior, reducing psychotic symptoms and stabilizing mood swings. The sustained-release formulation provides prolonged therapeutic effects, improving symptom control and medication adherence.

How to Use Quetiapine 400mg SR

• Dosage: Take Quetiapine 400mg SR as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically once daily, in the evening.
• Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break it, as this may interfere with the sustained-release mechanism.
• Consistency: Take the medication at the same time each day to maintain steady blood levels.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to your next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Quetiapine 400mg SR include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, and weight gain.
Rare but serious side effects include:

• Severe allergic reactions (e.g., rash, swelling, difficulty breathing).
• Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary muscle movements).
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, muscle rigidity, confusion).
• Symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., increased thirst, frequent urination).
  Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe or persistent side effects.

Drug Interactions

Quetiapine 400mg SR may interact with:

• CNS Depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines): May increase drowsiness or sedation.
• Antifungals and Antibiotics (e.g., Ketoconazole, Erythromycin): May increase levels of Quetiapine in the blood.
• Antihypertensives: May enhance blood pressure-lowering effects.
• Other Antipsychotics: May increase the risk of side effects.
  Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are using.

Food Interactions

Quetiapine 400mg SR can be taken with or without food. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it may increase drowsiness and other side effects.

Contraindications

Quetiapine 400mg SR is contraindicated in individuals with:

• Known hypersensitivity to Quetiapine or any other ingredients in the formulation.
• Severe liver impairment without appropriate dose adjustments.

Precautions and Warnings

• Metabolic Monitoring: Regularly monitor weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, as Quetiapine may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome.
• Mental Health: Monitor for worsening mood, depression, or suicidal thoughts, particularly at the beginning of treatment.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Use only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
• Elderly Patients: Use with caution in elderly individuals with dementia-related psychosis, as there is an increased risk of stroke and death.

Safety Information

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of severe allergic reactions, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, or irregular heartbeat. Contact a healthcare provider or poison control center immediately if overdose occurs.

Storage

• Store Quetiapine 400mg SR tablets at room temperature, between 20–25°C (68–77°F).
• Keep the medication in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture.
• Ensure the medication is out of reach of children and pets.
• Dispose of unused or expired tablets responsibly, following local waste disposal guidelines.