Seroquel

Seroquel is prescribed for the short-term treatment of rapid-onset bipolar mania; it is not approved for preventing future episodes. The effectiveness of the drug for treating mania for more than 3 weeks has not been studied.

The safety and effectiveness of Seroquel have not been studied in children.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Seroquel

Seroquel increases the effects of alcohol. Avoid alcoholic beverages while on Seroquel therapy.

If Seroquel is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Seroquel with the following:

Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Levodopa (Laradopa, Sinemet)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane)
Steroid medications such as hydrocortisone and prednisone
Thioridazine (Mellaril)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The possibility of harm to a developing baby has not been ruled out. You should take Seroquel during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh this potential risk. Notify your doctor as soon as you become pregnant or decide to become pregnant.

It is not known whether Seroquel appears in breast milk, and breastfeeding is not recommended.

Recommended dosage

SCHIZOPHRENIA

Adults

The usual dosage range is 300 to 400 milligrams a day, divided into two or three smaller doses. Doses as low as 150 milligrams a day sometimes prove effective, and the dose rarely exceeds 750 milligrams per day. Doses above 800 milligrams per day have not been tested for safety. The dose is gradually increased over 4 days until the most effective dose is reached, using the following schedule: Day 1: Take 25 milligrams twice a day. Days 2, 3, and 4: The doctor will increase each daily dose by 25 to 50 milligrams, taken either two or three times a day. Day 5 and up: If needed, the doctor may increase each dose by 25 to 50 milligrams every 2 or more days.