Quetiapine
Also sold as: Seroquel, Qutipin
Prescription neededAntipsychotics
Comes as:Tablet
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor and is raised slowly over several days. Usual doses for schizophrenia are 300 mg to 750 mg a day. It is not a sleeping pill.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- drowsiness
- dizziness on standing up
- dry mouth
- weight gain
- constipation
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- fainting
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- high blood sugar
- high fever with stiff muscles
- thoughts of suicide in young people
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Older people with dementia
- Heart rhythm problems (long QT)
- Diabetes (blood sugar should be checked)
- Children and teenagers (use with caution)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin greatly raises quetiapine levels; avoid together.
Moderate3 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Amiodarone
Both can prolong the QT interval.
- Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine strongly lowers quetiapine levels, so it may not work.
- Phenytoin
Phenytoin strongly lowers quetiapine levels, so it may not work.