Seroquel

Seroquel has antipsychotic properties.

The drug falls into the category of atypical antipsychotics; demonstrates a high degree of affinity relative to the endings of the serotonin subtype 5HT2 (this affinity is higher than in the case of cerebral dopamine endings of type D1, as well as D2). Similar to the effect indicated above, the effect of the drug shows in relation to histamine endings, as well as adrenoreceptors.

[1]

Indications Seroquel

It is used in the following disorders:

• schizophrenia ;
• chronic psychosis;
• manic states;
• depressed state;
• BAR.

[2],

Release form

The release of the substance is realized in tablets:

• pink with a volume of 0.025 g (10 pieces inside the package, 3 or 6 packs per pack);
• yellow with a volume of 0.1 g and white with a volume of 0.2 g (both types of tablets - 10 each in a plate, 3.6 or 9 plates in a box).

In addition, a pack of drugs 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 also 1 with a volume of 0.2 g.

[3], [4]

Pharmacodynamics

In tests that investigated the affinity of the drug with the cholinergic and benzodiazepine endings of muscarins, it was not detected. During routine medical testing, the drug demonstrates antipsychotic activity. Seroquel does not lead to the development of strong catalepsy, causing blocking of the activity of the D2 endings of dopamine.

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

[5], [6], [7]

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, the components of the medicament are absorbed at a rather high rate inside 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 binding to food.

Seroquel is excreted with the urine, and in addition with feces.

[8], [9], [10], [11], [12]

Dosing and administration

It is necessary to use medication 2 times a day. The mode of application and the duration of the cycle are selected based on the type of pathology and the state of health of the person being treated.

In the case of psychosis or schizophrenia, the drug is applied 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

Per day is allowed to use in the range of 0.15-0.75 g of the drug.

In manic states, depressions and BAR, the medicine is prescribed in this mode:

• for the first 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 drug portion, by the 6th day it can reach up to 0.8 g.

[16], [17], [18]

Use Seroquel during pregnancy

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

At the time of therapy it is necessary to abandon breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

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

Caution when using Seroquel is necessary in such cases:

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

[13], [14]

Side effects Seroquel

The main side signs are:

• drowsiness, dizziness, tachycardia, orthostatic collapse;
• positioning, dispersion or dryness of the oral mucosa;
• increased blood levels of liver enzymes, insulin, and besides triglycerides.

Usually over the period of the first weeks of therapy in patients with increased weight. Only rarely can symptoms such as priapism, dystonia, disorder of consciousness, convulsions, leuco-or neutropenia, neuroleptic syndrome, vegetative-vascular disorders and akathisia appear. Prolonged administration of the drug may cause late-onset dyskinesia.

[15]

Overdose

It is necessary to take into account that, subject to the instructions for use, drug poisoning occurs only once. But sometimes the complications associated with intoxication were so severe that they caused a coma or even death.

Excessive daily portions can cause the following manifestations: a decrease in blood pressure values, drowsiness, tachycardia, and in addition, increased sedation.

In the case of a severe overdose stage, symptomatic measures are performed, and in addition to this, procedures that support the work of the respiratory system and the cardiovascular system.

[19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24],

Interactions with other drugs

An increase in the values of quetiapine and, at the same time, the potentiation of the influence of the drug develops when it is combined with macrolide antibiotics, and in addition with antifungals of an azole nature.

Changing the dosage may be needed when Seroquel is combined with drugs that contain phenytoin, or have the function of inducing liver enzymes (among them carbamazepine).

[25]

Storage conditions

Seroquel must be kept in a closed place from small children. Temperature readings - no higher than 30 ° C.

[26], [27]

Shelf life

Seroquel is allowed to apply for a 3-year term since the release of the drug.

[28]

Application for children

It is impossible to appoint in pediatrics (age up to 18 years).

[29], [30]

Analogs

Analogues of the substance are the means Hedonin, Ketilept, Nantarid, Victoel, Quentiapine Stade with Lakvel, and in addition Quetiapine with Ketiap and Quentiax with the Servitor. Additionally, Quetiapine Fumarate, Kutipin, and Quentiapine Hemifumarate are on the list.

[31], [32], [33], [34], [35], [36], [37]

Reviews

Seroquel receives quite a variety of reviews - the opinions of patients on medications vary quite strongly. Some are completely satisfied with its therapeutic effect, while others express extremely negatively about it, mentioning also the high cost of drugs.

Of the negative effects of the medication, a large number of adverse signs are mentioned in the comments, and in addition there is an excessive sedative effect, as a result of which, after its use, the patient does not have any activity.

[38], [39], [40]