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