Quentiax (Quetiapine)

Dosage form:

Film coated tablets 25, 100, 200 mg

What is Quentiax (quetiapine) used for?

• It is used to treat bipolar problems.
• It is used to treat schizophrenia.
• It is used to treat low mood (depression).
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

Important notes before taking Quentiax (quetiapine):

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have an allergy to quetiapine or any other part of this drug. 
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of these health problems: Low potassium or magnesium levels, long QT on ECG or other heartbeat that is not normal.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any drugs that can cause a certain type of heartbeat that is not normal (prolonged QT interval).
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Important notes while taking Quentiax (quetiapine): 

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this drug.
• High blood sugar or diabetes, high cholesterol, and weight gain have happened with quetiapine.
• Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you have fever, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, or any other infection, as this could be a result of a very low white blood cell count, which may require quetiapine to be stopped and/or treatment to be given.
• Dizziness, sleepiness, and feeling less stable may happen with this drug.
• Constipation along with persistent abdominal pain, or constipation which has not responded to treatment, as this may lead to a more serious blockage of the bowel.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this drug while you are pregnant. Taking quetiapine in the third trimester of pregnancy may lead to muscle movements that cannot be controlled and withdrawal in the newborn.

Quentiax (quetiapine) side effects: 

Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat;
• Signs of low thyroid levels like constipation; not able to handle cold; memory problems; mood changes; or a burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal;
• Dizziness and headache;
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal and chest pain;
• Abnormal muscle movements. These include difficulty starting muscle movements, shaking, feeling restless or muscle stiffness without pain;
• Constipation, upset stomach (indigestion) ;
• Changes in the amount of thyroid hormones in your blood;
• Blurred vision;
• Flu-like signs;
• Enlarged breasts;
• Nipple discharge;
• Not able to get or keep an erection;
• For women, no period.

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 nervous and excitable;
• Dry mouth ;
• Feeling sleepy ;
• Weight gain ;
• Upset stomach or throwing up;
• Feeling tired or weak ;
• Belly pain ;
• Back pain ;
• Stuffy nose .

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.

Do not take two doses at one time

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Keep this drug out of reach of children.
• Do not use this drug after expiry date. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs.