quetiapine
- Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications
What side effects can
quetiapine
cause?
Potential side effects
All medicines may cause side effects. However, many people do not experience them.
Most of the side effects listed here will improve with time. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if they persist, become bothersome or worsen.
| Side effects | What to do about it |
| Increased appetite and weight gain | Maintain a healthy diet. Exercise regularly. |
| Constipation | Increase your intake of fluids and include more fibre (vegetables and fruits) in your diet. Incorporate some exercise in your daily routine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you require any laxatives. |
| Dry mouth | Sip water regularly. Sucking on sugar-free sweets or ice chips may help alleviate symptoms. Avoid caffeine as it may worsen dry mouth. |
| Dizziness | Get up slowly from a lying or sitting position |
| Drowsiness | Do not drive or operate any machinery. Discuss with your doctor if you can take your medicine at a different time of day. |
| Headache | Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you need any painkillers |
Serious side effects
If you experience signs of allergy such as rashes, swelling of lips/face/throat and difficulty breathing, stop this medicine immediately and seek medical attention.
If you experience new or worsening thoughts of self-harm or altered behavior consult a doctor immediately.
You may feel the need to keep moving constantly. Please notify your doctor if this happens after you have been given this medicine.
On rare occasions this medicine may cause unusual movements involving the face or tongue, muscle stiffness, shakiness and unsteadiness on your feet. Please notify your doctor immediately if this happens while taking this medicine.
A condition known as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome may occur rarely. Symptoms include but are not limited to fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental state/ consciousness and/or irregular blood pressure, heart rhythm and palpitations. If you develop any of these symptoms or other unexplained symptoms while taking this medicine consult your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor if you require further information regarding this condition.
Take note that the side effects listed here are not exhaustive. Do seek medical attention if you have other symptoms that you think may be related to this medicine.
Before taking
quetiapine
, what precautions must I follow?
What do I need to tell my doctor before I take this medicine?
- Drug allergies
- Pre-existing medical conditions such as prior stroke, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, seizures, blocked intestines, liver or kidney diseases, blood disorders, and prostate problems
- Whether you are taking any other medicines, supplements or traditional medicines. Some of them may affect how this medicine works.
For women: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or have plans to become pregnant. If you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, your doctor would have discussed the potential benefits and side-effects of continuing this medication with you but should you have further questions or concerns, do consult your doctor.
What food or medicine must I avoid when I take
quetiapine
?
This medicine may interact with a number of other medicines. Inform your doctor if you are taking or intend to start taking other medicines or supplements
quetiapine
- Additional Information
What are the things I need to know or look out for while on this medicine?
- Avoid driving or any other activities that requires concentration until you see how this drug affects you
- Be careful in hot weather or while being active. Drink lots of fluids to stop fluid loss.
- Inform your other healthcare professionals that you are on this medicine as well.
- Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before you take any other medicines or natural products.
- Do not share your medicines with others.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about your medicine.
