| Seroquel is an anti-psychotic medication | | | | |
| available only by prescription. Seroquel is | | | | " 50 mg taken twice on day 1 |
| the trade-name for the generic drug | | | | |
| Quetiapine Fumarate. | | | | " Increase to 100 mg twice on day 2 |
| | | | |
| Seroquel is used in the treatment of | | | | " Increase to 150 mg twice on day 3 |
| schizophrenia to control delusions, | | | | |
| hallucinations, thought problems and | | | | " Increase to 200 mg twice on day 4 |
| difficulties connecting with reality. | | | | |
| Seroquel may also be prescribed on a | | | | " Days 5 and 6 increase if needed |
| short-term basis for the treatment of mania | | | | incrementally (increments not to exceed 200 |
| associated with bipolar disorder. | | | | mg, and total daily dose not to exceed 800 |
| | | | mg) |
| Seroquel dosage amounts vary depending on the | | | | |
| patient's condition and response to | | | | Dosing schedules for both schizophrenia and |
| medication. Some patients find a relatively | | | | bipolar disorder may be lowered and made more |
| low dose to be effective, while others will | | | | gradual if patients suffer from liver disease |
| require a much higher dose. To find the | | | | and/or side effects. |
| appropriate dosage for an individual, the | | | | |
| prescribing doctor will start with a low dose | | | | As safety has not been determined for doses |
| and increase gradually until the desired | | | | over 800 mg, it is important to take the |
| result is achieved. | | | | medication in amounts only as prescribed. |
| | | | Patients should be aware of the signs of |
| Dosage for Schizophrenia | | | | overdose in case a mistake is made. Signs of |
| | | | Seroquel overdose include: |
| Usually, dosages of Seroquel for the | | | | |
| treatment of schizophrenia range from between | | | | " Dizziness, fainting |
| 300 and 400 milligrams per day. This dose is | | | | |
| divided into two or three small doses. For | | | | " Drowsiness, weakness, tiredness |
| some patients, a low dose of 150 mg proves | | | | |
| effective; some may exceed 400 mg, but rarely | | | | " Fast heartbeat, rapid pulse |
| will a prescription be for more than 750 mg | | | | |
| daily, and more than 800 mg per day has not | | | | If a dose is missed it should be taken as |
| been tested for safety. Dosing starts low | | | | soon as remembered, but not if it is close to |
| and increases over a four day period to find | | | | the time for the next dose. Doses should |
| the optimal dose. The introductory dosing | | | | never be doubled in an attempt to catch up a |
| schedule usually follows this protocol: | | | | missed dose. |
| | | | |
| " 25 mg twice on day 1 | | | | Seroquel can interact with other medications |
| | | | and herbal remedies and supplements, so it is |
| " Gradual daily increase by 25 to 50 mg for | | | | important to report all herbal, OTC, and |
| days 2-4 (taken in 2 or 3 daily doses) | | | | prescribed medications to the patient's |
| | | | doctor. Seroquel can also cause and |
| " Increases by 25-50 mg every 2 days if | | | | exacerbate certain medical conditions, and |
| needed after day 5 | | | | does carry a potential for side effects, so |
| | | | it is necessary to report all conditions (new |
| Dosage for Bipolar Disorder | | | | or previously existing) to the prescribing |
| | | | doctor. |
| Usual dosage of Seroquel for the treatment of | | | | |
| bipolar disorder falls between 400 and 800 mg | | | | Seroquel should be stored at room temperature |
| per day. Dosing is metered and increased | | | | (ideally, 77 degrees), and kept away from |
| gradually over a period of 4 to 6 days, | | | | heat and moisture. It is very important to |
| similar to dosing for schizophrenia. The | | | | keep Seroquel away from pets and especially |
| usual dosing protocol follows: | | | | children. |