PRODUCT DETAILS

About Quel 50 Tablet

QUETIAPINE belongs to a group of medications called ‘antipsychotics’. It is used in the treatment of bipolar depression, mania, and schizophrenia. Bipolar disorder is characterized by manic episodes of excitement or euphoria and depression. Schizophrenia is characterized by symptoms of hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real) and delusions (wrong beliefs).

QUETIAPINE contains ‘quetiapine’ which is an antipsychotic drug. It acts by blocking dopamine, a hormone present in the brain responsible for the development of symptoms in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. QUETIAPINE also has effects on other neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin and its beneficial effects may be related to this as well. Altogether  QUETIAPINE rebalances dopamine and serotonin to improve thinking, mood, and behavior.

QUETIAPINE is available in two dosage forms: oral tablet and injection. Common side-effects of QUETIAPINE are dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, abnormal muscle movements such as difficulty moving muscles, tremors and muscle stiffness,  change in cholesterol levels, weight gain, and decrease in hemoglobin (protein in blood that carries oxygen) levels. Additionally, in children and adolescents, swelling of breasts in boys and girls and production of breast milk (due to an increase in prolactin hormone (helps in producing breast milk)) and irregular menstruation can be seen. Please do not stop taking QUETIAPINE without your doctor’s advice as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Do not take QUETIAPINE if you are allergic to quetiapine or any other ingredients present in it. Before taking QUETIAPINE, inform your doctor if you have problems associated with the liver, kidney, or heart. Also, inform your doctor if you have any sleeping difficulties. It is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop suicidal thoughts or your depression worsens after taking QUETIAPINE. QUETIAPINE contains lactose, so it should not be given to people who are intolerant to some sugars. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Uses of Quel 50 Tablet

Bipolar depression, mania, schizophrenia

Medicinal Benefits of Quel 50 Tablet

QUETIAPINE contains ‘quetiapine’ that belongs to the class of antipsychotics. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors preventing the excessive activity of dopamine. Dopamine is considered a ‘feel-good hormone’ that promotes happiness, excitement, and pleasure. It alters brain function, improving mood, thinking ability, and social behavior. It reduces the development of symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other mood disorders. QUETIAPINE also has effects on other neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin and its beneficial effects may be related to this as well. Altogether  QUETIAPINE rebalances dopamine and serotonin to improve thinking, mood, and behavior.

Directions for Use

QUETIAPINE is available in two dosage forms: oral tablet and injection. Tablet: The doctor determines the dose and duration of the medicine. Swallow the medicines as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break it. You can take medicine with or without food. It is usually taken at bedtime when prescribed once a day and taken in the morning and bedtime when prescribed twice a day. Take the medication at a fixed time every day. Do not abruptly stop the medication even if your symptoms get better. Injection: Injection is given using a syringe by a healthcare professional only, so do not self-administer.

Side Effects of Quel 50 Tablet

QUETIAPINE may cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, abnormal muscle movements such as difficulty moving muscles, tremors and muscle stiffness, altered cholesterol levels, weight gain, and a decrease in hemoglobin (protein in blood that carries oxygen) levels. Common side-effects seen in children and adolescents are swelling of breasts in boys and girls and production of breast milk (due to an increase in prolactin hormone (helps in producing breast milk)), irregular menstruation, and increased appetite, vomiting, increase in blood pressure and abnormal muscle movements. Do not stop taking QUETIAPINE without your doctor’s advice. Discontinuation of QUETIAPINE abruptly may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia (sleeplessness), feeling sick (nausea), headache, diarrhea, being sick (vomiting), dizziness, irritability, and development of suicidal thoughts. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue the medicine by gradually reducing the dose.

Similar Drugs

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

Do not take QUETIAPINE if you are allergic to quetiapine or any ingredients present in it. Before taking QUETIAPINE, inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure, stroke, liver problems, seizures, diabetes, dementia (memory loss), alcohol or drug abuse, sleep apnea (a sleep disorder), and urinary retention. QUETIAPINE contains lactose, so it should not be given to people with lactose intolerance. Do not abruptly stop taking the medication as it may cause withdrawal symptoms, especially suicidal thoughts in young adults.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction:

QUETIAPINE may interact with medications, including antidepressants (citalopram, escitalopram, bupropion),  opioid pain or cough relievers (codeine, hydrocodone), drugs for sleep or anxiety (alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine) and analgesics  (acetaminophen, hydrocodone, tramadol).

Drug-Disease Interaction:

QUETIAPINE should be used with caution in patients with heart problems such as QT prolongation (heart rhythm problem), acute alcohol abuse, central nervous system (CNS) depression, dementia, stroke, seizures, diabetes, and liver problems.

Safety Advice

ALCOHOL

Alcohol may worsen the condition and increase the risk of side effects while using QUETIAPINE.

PREGNANCY

QUETIAPINE is a category C medicine. It should be used in pregnant women only when prescribed by a doctor.

BREAST FEEDING

QUETIAPINE should not be given to breastfeeding mothers unless prescribed by a doctor.

DRIVING

QUETIAPINE may cause dizziness. So, it is not recommended to drive or operate heavy machinery when you take QUETIAPINE.

LIVER

QUETIAPINE should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Dose adjustments may be necessary.

KIDNEY

QUETIAPINE should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Dose adjustments may be necessary.