Overview Of Seroquel
Seroquel is a prescription medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antipsychotics, and it is taken orally. Seroquel is available as an immediate-release tablet, and some patients may take the extended-release formulation. To reduce the risk of side effects, doctors usually start treatment with a low dose of this medication, gradually working up to a larger dose. Patients who use Seroquel for the treatment of schizophrenia normally take it two to three times each day. When used to treat depression or bipolar disorder, it is typically taken only once per day. Patients who wish to discontinue this medicine should check with their doctor about how to safely taper their dose. If the patient suddenly stops taking Seroquel, their mental health condition could worsen.
The uses, side effects, precautions, and potential medication interactions associated with Seroquel are outlined below.
How It Works
This medication is a second-generation antipsychotic, and it is classified as an atypical antipsychotic drug. It works by balancing dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Seroquel binds to the brain's dopamine receptors, and this prevents dopamine from binding with the receptors. With dopamine blocked, patients who take Seroquel can experience improvements in the 'negative' symptoms associated with schizophrenia, including social withdrawal and blunted emotional responses. The drug also blocks serotonin from binding to a specific serotonin receptor known as 5HT2A. Researchers believe serotonin's inappropriate binding to this specific receptor could contribute to the development of schizophrenia, depression and other mental health conditions. Along with blocking dopamine and serotonin receptors, Seroquel also blocks histamine and alpha-1 receptors. In doing so, it lowers the patient's blood pressure and produces a calming effect.
Get the details on the uses and benefits associated with Seroquel next.
Seroquel Uses and Benefits
Seroquel is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. In patients with schizophrenia, the medication helps reduce hallucinations and delusions. It may improve motivation and clarity of speech, and it can help patients organize their thoughts more effectively. Seroquel is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in patients who are at least thirteen years old. For individuals with bipolar disorder, this medication is approved for the acute treatment of manic and depressive episodes, and it is also approved as a long-term treatment for bipolar disorder. When used as a long-term option, it can be taken alone, and some patients may take it with lithium or valproate. Seroquel is approved as a treatment for bipolar disorder in individuals who are at least ten years old. When used for the treatment of major depression, this medication is only approved as an adjunctive treatment for adults. It must be used in conjunction with an antidepressant, and it cannot be the only medication the patient takes to manage their depression. Seroquel is sometimes prescribed as an 'off-label' treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and delusional parasitosis. It may be considered for use in patients who experience delirium during hospitalization in intensive care.
Discover the side effects of Seroquel next.
