What is Seroquel XR used for?

This medication is prescribed to treat symptoms of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder.  Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Some symptoms of this order include: delusions, hallucinations such as hearing voices, fragmented thinking and speech, and inappropriate behaviors and emotional responses. Bipolar Disorder is characterized by: periods of extremely elevated mood (mania), extremely low mood (depression), and normal mood. Although there is no single, proven cause of bipolar disorder, it is clear that people with this disorder are more vulnerable to emotional and physical stresses. Seroquel can be used to treat symptoms in adults who have depressive episodes or manic episodes caused by bipolar I disorder. This medication can also allow you to concentrate better, help you more positive about yourself, make you feel less nervous, and help decrease mood swings.

You can buy Seroquel XR (Quetiapine) online at My Drug Center. We have the Quetiapine generic available for purchase as well.

How does Seroquel XR work?

Seroquel SR comes as an extended-release tablet for oral administration and it contains Quetiapine, which belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. The Quetiapine dosage in Seroquel works by changing the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals (serotonin and dopamine) are involved in regulating mood and behavior. When there is too much serotonin, it can cause rapid mood swings that range from feeling overly happy to an extremely sad mood. Dopamine controls memory, attention, and problem solving tasks but too much could be the reason for hallucinations and delusions.

Before taking your prescribed medication read all the instructions that was provided by your pharmacist. Take Seroquel XR orally as instructed by your doctor. This medication can be taken with or without food. Make sure you take Seroquel XR at the same time each day to create a routine for yourself and to ensure an even spread of medication in your system. For optimal results take this medication on a regular basis. Do not change or increase your dose. You should continue taking this medication even if you feel well. 

Your doctor may start you off at a low dose of Seroquel XR and gradually have you increase your dose to help prevent side effects and to ensure a safe and effective treatment with Seroquel XR.

This medication may contain medical and non medical ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction. Consult with your doctor about any known allergies before taking Seroquel XR. Speak with your doctor about any known medical conditions relating to eye cataracts, liver disease, low white blood count, seizures, trouble swallowing, thyroid problems, diabetes, stomach or intestinal blockage, alcohol or other substance abuse, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and difficulty urinating. Tell your doctor about any current medications or supplementation to avoid interactions with Seroquel XR.

While taking Seroquel XR you may feel dizzy, drowsy or experience blurred vision. Avoid driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery until you feel it is safe. Alcohol and Cannabis can exasperate these side effects. Additionally you can speak with your doctor about acceptable limits for these substances while taking Seroquel XR.

You may experience irregular heart rhythm (QT prolongation) while taking Seroquel XR. Risk of QT prolongation is increased with salt deficiencies and use of diuretics can also increase this risk. 

Taking Seroquel XR may cause you sweat less, and could put you at risk for heat stroke. Keep out of the sun and hot areas. Try to reduce hard physical work and over excreting yourself with exercise. Avoid hot tubs if possible. If you become overheated try to cool off by any available means. If you experience headache, dizziness or mood/mental changes that linger, speak with your doctor right away.

Some Seroquel XR side effects include:

Mood or behavior changes, constipation, stomach pain, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, headache, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, sore throat, breast swelling or discharge, missed menstrual periods, increased appetite, or weight gain.

If any side effects of Quetiapine become unmanageable speak with your doctor or pharmacist for help in managing any side effects. For any serious side effects that occur speak with your doctor right away for further treatment options.

What is quetiapine fumarate?

Quetiapine fumarate, also known as just as quetiapine, is an atypical anti-psychotic drug. Seroquel XR contains between 50-400 mg of quetiapine; without it, Seroquel XR would not have its beneficial effects. Quetiapine is also part of the generic name for Seroquel XR, which is sold as quetiapine XR. Both – Seroquel XR (brand) and quetiapine XR (generic) – are available for purchase with a valid prescription at My Drug Center.

What is quetiapine fumarate used for?

Quetiapine is used for the treatment of disorders that affect mental health; most commonly schizophrenia in adults and children 13 years and older. Quetiapine is also used to help treat repetitive episodes of anxiety, mania, or depression associated with bipolar disorder in adults and children 10 years and older. Sometimes quetiapine is prescribed along with other medications to treat major depressive disorder in adults only.

How does quetiapine work?

The exact mechanism of action of quetiapine is still undetermined but there is a clear idea as to how it may work. Dopamine is a natural chemical produced inside the body that plays a vital role in brain function. Mental illness is commonly associated with abnormally high levels of dopamine activity, especially in those with schizophrenia. Quetiapine works by binding to the dopamine receptors in the brain so that the dopamine cannot; this prevents excessive dopamine activity, minimizes the transmission of dopamine, and ultimately reduces symptoms.

What are the side effects of quetiapine fumarate?

Common side effects of quetiapine include problems with speech, dizziness, drowsiness, lack of energy, or a fast heartbeat. This is not a complete list of side effects; side effects are not guaranteed.

How long does quetiapine stay in your system?

Quetiapine XR will stay in your system for just over 30 hours (a little over one day), with a half-life of only 7 hours.