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