Quetiapine XR

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Quetiapine Xr.

Blood cholesterol: Quetiapine has been associated with increased blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If you have elevated blood cholesterol levels, discuss with your doctor how Quetiapine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Quetiapine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Blood changes: Quetiapine can cause a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells (blood cells that carry oxygen), or platelets (blood cells that help form Blood Clots). If you have a history of low white blood cells, anemia, or blood clotting problems, discuss with your doctor how Quetiapine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Quetiapine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Blood clots: Quetiapine Xr may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.

If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Quetiapine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Quetiapine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.

Body temperature: Quetiapine can disrupt the body's ability to control body temperature. People who exercise vigorously, who are exposed to extreme heat, are dehydrated, or are taking anticholinergic medications (e.g., Benztropine, Oxybutynin) are more at risk. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you feel very hot and are unable to cool.

Cataracts: Changes in the lens of the eye may develop with long-term use of quetiapine. Regular eye exams are recommended before and after treatment with Quetiapine Xr. If you notice any change in your vision, contact your physician as soon as possible.

Dependence/tolerance: There have been reports of dependence, tolerance, misuse and abuse of quetiapine. People with a history of drug or alcohol dependence should be closely monitored by their doctor while using Quetiapine Xr.

Diabetes: Quetiapine may cause an increase in blood sugar levels (may cause a loss of blood glucose control) and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Quetiapine Xr.

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Quetiapine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Quetiapine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Quetiapine may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid operating hazardous machinery (including cars) until you are certain that the medication does not impair your mental alertness, judgment, or physical coordination.

Enlarged prostate: Quetiapine Xr may worsen symptoms of an enlarged prostate, such as reduced urine flow. If you have a prostate condition, discuss with your doctor how Quetiapine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Quetiapine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Glaucoma: People with glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes) may find that Quetiapine Xr makes the symptoms of glaucoma worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Quetiapine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Quetiapine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart conditions: If you have a heart condition such as Angina, heart failure, and irregular heartbeat, or have had a heart attack, discuss with your doctor how Quetiapine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Quetiapine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart rhythm: Quetiapine can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, angina, low potassium or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how Quetiapine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Quetiapine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Hormonal changes: Quetiapine, in rare instances, can cause an increase in the hormone called prolactin, which may lead to production of breast milk in women and altered monthly periods. It may also lead to swelling of the breasts in men. High levels of prolactin combined with a condition called hypogonadism, may increase the risk of Osteoporosis in men and women.

Hypersensitivity syndrome: A Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) called hypersensitivity syndrome has occurred for some people with the use of quetiapine. Stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including extensive skin rash, fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.

Kidney problems: If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Quetiapine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Quetiapine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver problems: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Quetiapine Xr to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Quetiapine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Quetiapine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Quetiapine has been reported to cause liver failure, which has in rare cases, caused death. Quetiapine Xr may also cause a decrease in liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Low Blood Pressure: Quetiapine may cause a lowering of blood pressure when rising from a sitting or lying position, or a racing heart rate, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded or feel your pulse is racing, and this feeling does not go away after a few minutes, call your doctor. Because Quetiapine Xr can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, do not get up too quickly after you have been sitting or lying for prolonged periods.

Movement disorders: There is a risk of developing tardive dyskinesia (TD), a condition which causes repetitive, uncontrollable, and purposeless movements (such as grimacing; tongue protrusion; lip smacking; puckering; rapid eye blinking; rapid movements of the arms, legs, and body trunk). If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): A risk of developing this condition has been associated with antipsychotic medications, including quetiapine. If you experience increased sweating and sensations of warmth, muscle stiffness, emotional and behavioural changes, or irregular heartbeat, contact your doctor immediately. People taking Quetiapine Xr should take care to avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated.

Pancreatitis: Quetiapine can cause the pancreas to become inflamed. If you have a history of pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how Quetiapine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Quetiapine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Report signs of pancreatitis such as abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, or swollen abdomen to your doctor immediately.

If you have a history of pancreatitis, gallstones, Alcoholism, or high triglycerides, you may be more at risk of experiencing this.

Seizures: If you have a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Quetiapine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Quetiapine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Sleep apnea: Quetiapine Xr may cause sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, or are taking medications which cause sedation or sleepiness, discuss with your doctor how Quetiapine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Quetiapine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stopping the medication: Stopping Quetiapine Xr suddenly may cause symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, upset stomach, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, and irritability. A gradual reduction in dose over a period of at least 1 or 2 weeks is recommended. If you are thinking of stopping the medication, check with your doctor first.

Suicidal or agitated behaviour: Adults and children taking Quetiapine Xr may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Quetiapine Xr. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Quetiapine Xr, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will monitor you closely for these side effects while you are taking Quetiapine Xr.

Thyroid changes: Quetiapine is associated with a decrease in thyroid hormone. If you have low thyroid (Hypothyroidism), discuss with your doctor how Quetiapine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Quetiapine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Weight gain: Quetiapine is associated with an increase in body weight. Your doctor may monitor you for weight changes while you are taking Quetiapine Xr.

Pregnancy: The safety of quetiapine use during pregnancy is not known. The use of Quetiapine Xr by the mother in the last 3 months of pregnancy has resulted in the newborn experiencing withdrawal effects. Quetiapine Xr should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Quetiapine Xr, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Quetiapine Xr passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking quetiapine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children and adolescents: The safety and efficacy of Quetiapine Xr have not been established for children less than 18 years of age.

Seniors: There may be a higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, infections (e.g., pneumonia), and deaths associated with the use of antipsychotic medications by seniors. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Quetiapine Xr. If you notice the following signs and symptoms, get medical attention immediately:

• signs of a stroke: sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arms or legs (often on one side of the body); speech problems; vision problems; balance problems or dizziness; confusion; sudden severe headache with no known cause
• signs of a heart attack: discomfort or pain in the chest, back, neck, jaw, arms, or stomach; sweating; shortness of breath; nausea; lightheadedness; feeling of impending doom.