Angepine Tablets - Uses, Side Effects,Precautions and FAQs
Uses
This medication is used to treat certain mental/mood conditions (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, sudden episodes of mania or depression associated with bipolar disorder). Quetiapine is known as an anti-psychotic drug (atypical type). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.This medication can decrease hallucinations and improve your concentration. It helps you to think more clearly and positively about yourself, feel less nervous, and take a more active part in everyday life. It may also improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level. Quetiapine can help prevent severe mood swings or decrease how often mood swings occur.
How to use quetiapine oral
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using quetiapine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times daily with or without food. For the treatment of depression associated with bipolar disorder, take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Side Effects
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
- Headache.
- Feeling nervous and excitable.
- Constipation.
- Dry mouth.
- More hungry.
- Weight gain.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Stomach pain.
- Back pain.
- Stuffy nose.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Precautions
Dosing: Adult
Note: Dosage forms: Available quetiapine preparations include oral IR (dosed 1 to 3 times daily) and 24-hour ER (dosed once daily) formulations; to convert between formulations, see "Dosing Conversion" below.
Agitation/Aggression and psychosis associated with dementia, severe or refractory (alternative agent) (off-label use):
Note: For short-term adjunctive use while addressing underlying cause(s) of severe symptoms. In patients without a clinically significant response after an adequate trial (eg, up to 4 weeks), taper and withdraw therapy. Only continue in patients with demonstrated benefit; attempt to taper and withdraw at regular intervals (eg, within 4 months of initiation). Patients with dementia with Lewy bodies are at increased risk for severe adverse reactions; caution is required even with low doses (Ref).
Immediate release: Oral: Initial: 25 mg at bedtime; may increase dose gradually (eg, weekly) based on response and tolerability up to 75 mg twice daily (Ref).
Quetiapine should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to quetiapine or to any of the ingredients of the medication.
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
How should I use this medication?
The usual recommended starting dose for schizophrenia is 25 mg twice daily. Quetiapine is usually started with a low dose in order to allow the body to get used to it. This dose is increased as tolerated to a target dose of 150 mg twice daily. No more than 400 mg twice daily should be taken for schizophrenia as the safety of higher doses has not been established.
