Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication used in the management of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Commonly associated with the brand name Seroquel®, quetiapine is supplied as quetiapine fumarate and acts on several neurotransmitter receptor systems within the central nervous system. Health Canada lists marketed 100mg quetiapine fumarate tablets as prescription medications in Canada.
Although its complete therapeutic mechanism is not fully understood, quetiapine’s antipsychotic and mood stabilizing activity is believed to be mediated primarily through antagonism of dopamine D2 and serotonin 5 HT2A receptors. Regulation of these neurotransmitter pathways is thought to contribute to its effects on psychosis, mood, thought processing, and behavioral symptoms.
Quetiapine and its active metabolite, norquetiapine, interact with multiple neurotransmitter receptors. In addition to dopamine and serotonin receptors, quetiapine has significant activity at histamine H1 and alpha 1 adrenergic receptors. H1 receptor antagonism contributes to the medication’s sedating effects, while alpha 1 adrenergic blockade helps explain the potential for dizziness and orthostatic hypotension.
Immediate release quetiapine is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia, manic episodes associated with Bipolar I disorder, and depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Treatment selection and dosing depend on the condition being treated, the patient’s response, concurrent medications, and individual clinical factors.
This product provides:
- Active Ingredient: Quetiapine
- Form: Quetiapine Fumarate
- Strength: 100mg per tablet
- Quantity: 100 Tablets
- Drug Class: Atypical Antipsychotic
- Dosage Form: Oral Tablet
Quetiapine has several important metabolic safety considerations. Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with weight gain, elevated blood glucose, diabetes, and changes in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Appropriate monitoring of weight, glucose, and lipid levels may therefore be recommended during treatment.
Common adverse effects can include sleepiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, fatigue, and increased appetite. Quetiapine can also cause orthostatic hypotension, particularly during treatment initiation or changes in therapy, which may increase the risk of dizziness, fainting, and falls.
More serious but less common risks associated with antipsychotic therapy include tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, seizures, changes in heart rhythm, and abnormalities in blood cell counts. Current prescribing information also carries a boxed warning that elderly patients with dementia related psychosis treated with antipsychotic medications have an increased risk of death; quetiapine is not approved for dementia related psychosis.
Quetiapine is a prescription medication and should be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Treatment should not be changed or discontinued without appropriate medical guidance.
