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Quetiapine sustained-release is prescribed for certain mental and mood disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and sudden episodes of mania or depression associated with bipolar disorder. It may also be used in combination with other medications to treat depression. While treatment for depression with these drugs can prevent suicidal ideation and deliver other significant benefits, it's important to note the potential risks, especially in those younger than 25, who may experience heightened depression, shifts in mental or mood conditions, or suicidal thoughts/attempts.

Here are some important safety considerations and warnings:

• Increased Risk in Older Adults: There is a slight increase in the risk of severe and potentially fatal side effects, such as stroke, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and pneumonia, when this medication is used by older adults with dementia. This medication is not approved for addressing dementia-related behavior issues. Discuss other potentially safer treatments with your healthcare provider.

• Depression and Suicidality: Especially in individuals under 25, there may be a risk of worsening depression or new mental/mood symptoms, including suicidal thoughts or behavior. It is critical to discuss the risks and benefits of depression treatments with your doctor, regardless of the primary reason for treatment.

• Monitoring for Symptoms: Notify your doctor immediately if you observe any deterioration in depression or psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes, or mental/mood alterations such as new or worsening anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, irritability, hostility, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, or rapid speech. These symptoms are particularly important to watch for when starting a new depression medication or adjusting the dosage.

• Use in Children: This medication is not approved for children under 10 years old.

• Drug Interactions: If using quetiapine with other antidepressants, ensure you carefully review the safety information for each medication to avoid adverse interactions.

In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider about any concerns or questions regarding your treatment plan.

You may experience common side effects such as constipation, drowsiness, upset stomach, tiredness, weight gain, blurred vision, or dry mouth. These are usually mild, but if they persist or worsen, it's important to inform your healthcare provider. Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when starting or increasing the dosage, can occur and may raise the risk of falls, so it’s advisable to stand up slowly from sitting or lying down positions.

Serious side effects, although less common, require immediate attention. These include persistent nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain with constipation, restlessness, tremors, mood changes like increased anxiety or depression, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, jaundice, sleep apnea, or trouble urinating. Urgent medical care is necessary for severe side effects such as fainting, seizures, or severe dizziness.

This medication can rarely elevate blood sugar levels, potentially leading to diabetes or exacerbating existing diabetes. Watch for increased thirst or urination and monitor blood sugar if diabetic. Significant weight gain and increased cholesterol levels are possible, which may heighten heart disease risk. Discuss these risks with your healthcare provider.

Quetiapine may infrequently cause tardive dyskinesia, characterized by unusual movements of the face, lips, or limbs, which can sometimes be permanent. Another rare but severe condition is neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), with symptoms like fever, muscle stiffness, severe confusion, and kidney issues. Immediate medical help is crucial if these occur.

Prolactin levels might increase, affecting females with unwanted breast milk or menstrual changes, and males with decreased sexual ability or breast enlargement. A rare prolonged erection in males requires stopping the drug and seeking urgent help. Severe allergic reactions are rare but need immediate attention if symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, or breathing difficulty arise. Always consult your healthcare provider if you experience any unlisted side effects.

Quetiapine can interact with various medications that may impact heart rhythm, known as QT prolongation. Some of these medications include amiodarone, moxifloxacin, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, and thioridazine. Additionally, certain drugs can influence the elimination of quetiapine from your system, potentially altering its effectiveness. These include azole antifungals like itraconazole and ketoconazole, as well as seizure medications such as phenytoin.

It's important to inform your doctor or pharmacist if you're using other substances that cause drowsiness. This includes opioid pain relievers or cough medications like codeine and hydrocodone, alcohol, marijuana, sleep aids or anti-anxiety drugs such as alprazolam, lorazepam, or zolpidem, muscle relaxants like carisoprodol or cyclobenzaprine, and antihistamines like cetirizine or diphenhydramine.

Be sure to check the labels of all your medications, including those for allergies or cough and cold, as they might contain ingredients that can lead to drowsiness. Consult your pharmacist for advice on how to use these products safely.

Quetiapine may also interfere with certain laboratory tests, such as urine tests, possibly leading to inaccurate results. Therefore, it's crucial to inform lab personnel and all your healthcare providers that you are taking this medication.