Seroquel

Seroquel has neuroleptic medicinal properties.

The drug belongs to the category of atypical antipsychotics; it demonstrates a high degree of affinity for the 5HT2 subtype serotonin endings (this affinity is higher than in the case of the brain dopamine endings of the D1 and D2 types). The drug demonstrates an effect similar to the above-mentioned effect on histamine endings, as well as adrenergic receptors.

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Indications Seroquel

It is used for the following disorders:

• schizophrenia;
• chronic psychoses;
• manic states;
• depressive state;
• BAR.

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Release form

The substance is released in tablets:

• pink with a volume of 0.025 g (10 pieces per package, 3 or 6 packages per pack);
• yellow with a volume of 0.1 g and white with a volume of 0.2 g (both types of tablets - 10 pieces per plate, 3, 6 or 9 plates per box).

In addition, a pack of medicines may contain a complex of different dosage forms - for example, 6 tablets with a volume of 0.025 g, 3 with a volume of 0.1 g, and 1 with a volume of 0.2 g.

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Pharmacodynamics

In tests examining the affinity of the drug with cholinergic and benzodiazepine endings of muscarines, it was not detected. During the performance of standard medical tests, the drug demonstrates antipsychotic activity. Seroquel does not lead to the development of severe catalepsy, causing blocking of the activity of D2 dopamine endings.

Later, selective reduction of the activity of dopaminergic neurons of the A10 type of mesolimbic nature (compared to the nigrostriatal neurons involved in motor activity) is carried out. The introduction of the drug does not lead to an increase in prolactin values. During testing, the ability of the drug to combat the manifestation and signs of schizophrenia was revealed.

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Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, the components of the drug are absorbed at a fairly high speed in the stomach, and then undergo active intrahepatic metabolism. It should be noted that the bioavailability values of quetiapine do not change as a result of food intake, which allows the drug to be used without reference to food.

Seroquel is excreted in the urine and also in the feces.

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Dosing and administration

The medication should be taken twice a day. The mode of application and the duration of the cycle are selected taking into account the type of pathology and the health condition of the patient.

In case of psychosis or schizophrenia, the medication is used according to the following scheme:

• for the first day – 0.05 g;
• for the 2nd day – 0.1 g;
• for the 3rd day – 0.2 g;
• for the 4th day – 0.3 g.

It is permissible to consume 0.15-0.75 g of the medication per day.

For manic states, depression and bipolar disorder, the drug is prescribed in the following regimen:

• for the 1st day – 0.1 g;
• for the 2nd day – 0.2 g;
• for the 3rd day – 0.3 g;
• for the 4th day – 0.4 g.

There is a gradual increase in the medicinal dose; by the 6th day it can reach 0.8 g.

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Use Seroquel during pregnancy

The drug is not usually prescribed during pregnancy because there is no reliable information regarding the consequences of its use for the woman and the fetus. However, in situations where the benefits are considered more likely than the risk of complications, it can be used under close medical supervision.

Breastfeeding should be avoided during therapy.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

• presence of personal sensitivity to any of the medicinal elements;
• hypolactasia or galactosemia;
• glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Caution is required when using Seroquel in the following cases:

• the presence of ailments associated with the cardiovascular system or cerebrovascular function;
• old age;
• tendency to decrease blood pressure;
• groups of patients with a history of risk of liver failure, seizures, stroke, or aspiration pneumonia.

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Side effects Seroquel

Main side effects:

• drowsiness, dizziness, tachycardia, orthostatic collapse;
• constipation, dispersion or dryness of the oral mucosa;
• an increase in blood levels of liver enzymes, insulin, and also triglycerides.

Usually, during the first weeks of therapy, patients gain weight. Only occasionally may symptoms such as priapism, dystonia, impaired consciousness, seizures, leuko- or neutropenia, neuroleptic syndrome, vegetative-vascular disorders and akathisia appear. Long-term administration of the drug may provoke late dyskinesia.

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Overdose

It is necessary to take into account that if the instructions for use are followed, poisoning with the drug occurs only occasionally. But sometimes complications associated with intoxication were so severe that they caused a comatose state or even death.

Exceeding daily doses may cause the following symptoms: decreased blood pressure, drowsiness, tachycardia, and, in addition, increased sedation.

In case of severe overdose, symptomatic measures are carried out, as well as procedures that support the functioning of the respiratory system and cardiovascular system.

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Interactions with other drugs

An increase in quetiapine values and, along with this, a potentiation of the drug's effect develops when it is combined with macrolide antibiotics, and also with azole antifungals.

A change in dosage may be necessary when combining Seroquel with drugs that contain phenytoin or have the function of inducing liver enzymes (including carbamazepine).

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Storage conditions

Seroquel should be stored in a place closed to small children. Temperature indicators - not higher than 30°C.

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Shelf life

Seroquel is allowed to be used for a period of 3 years from the date of release of the medication.

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Application for children

Should not be prescribed in pediatrics (under 18 years of age).

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Analogues

Analogues of the substance are Gedonin, Ketilept, Nantarid, Victoel, Quetiapine Stada with Lakvel, and in addition Quetiapine with Ketiap and Quetiax with Servitel. In addition, the list includes Quetiapine fumarate, Kutipin and Quetiapine hemifumarate.

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Reviews

Seroquel receives quite a variety of reviews - patients' opinions on the drug vary quite significantly. Some are completely satisfied with its therapeutic effect, while others speak about it exclusively negatively, also mentioning the high cost of the drug.

Among the negative effects of the drug, the comments mention a large number of side effects, and in addition, an excessive sedative effect, as a result of which the patient is completely inactive after using it.

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