1. Is Seroquel a tranquilizer?
No, Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic drug. Tranquilizers are typical antipsychotics. The main difference is their way of action. While tranquilisers act on dopaminergic receptors, Seroquel acts on serotonin receptors as well. Atypical antipsychotics have fewer side effects than typical antipsychotics. Atypicals also help patients symptomatically as they occupy dopamine receptors and then rapidly separate from them, allowing normal dopamine neurotransmission.
2. What happens if you miss a dose of Seroquel?
If you have missed a dose of Seroquel, take it as early as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule as doubling of the dose is not prescribed.
3. Is Seroquel an antipsychotic?
Yes. Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic which acts on serotonin, dopamine and glutamate receptors. Atypical antipsychotic drugs work on negative symptoms, improving mood, cognitive functions, and reducing depression and anxiety.
4. What does Seroquel do to the brain?
Atypical antipsychotics block serotonin, glutamate and dopamine receptors in the brain. When the serotonin blockade is more than dopamine blockade, atypical antipsychotic action with few negative symptoms and extrapyramidal symptoms are noted.
5. Is 300mg Seroquel a high dose?
No, the peak licensed dose of Seroquel (Quetiapine) indicated is 800 mg/day. In antipsychotic treatment regimes, doses around 300 mg/day are usual. The dose routine and strength varies with the disease and the stage of treatment.
6. Is Seroquel a barbiturate?
No. Seroquel is an antipsychotic whereas barbiturates are a class of organic compounds used as hypnotics that produce sleep or as sedatives to produce soothing effects. Barbiturates are also used as an adjunct while giving anesthesia.
7. Is Seroquel addictive?
Seroquel is not a controlled drug as it either has a low binding affinity to dopamine receptors, or it dissociates easily from the receptor. Hence, it isn't usually considered addictive. It has very few withdrawal symptoms. However, cases of abuse have been reported when it is combined with other potentially abused drugs. Hence, the drug should be used responsibly.
8. Can Seroquel cause high blood pressure?
Yes, Seroquelel may worsen your blood pressure issues. Your doctor should monitor your blood pressure while you take the drug. However, it does not happen frequently. Maintained hypotension, which is a systolic blood pressure of less than 100 mm Hg for more than 60 minutes, has been described only in significant overdoses.
9. Is Seroquel used for sleep?
Seroquel has a sedative effect but it isn’t recommended for insomnia or to induce sleep. Quetiapine, the drug in Seroquel, hasn’t been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat sleeplessness. However, it’s sometimes prescribed off-label as a temporary sleep aid.
10. Can pregnant women take Seroquel?
Yes, Seroquel can be taken in pregnancy on medical advice. The recommended dose of Quetiapine in the body is lower in pregnancy compared to postpartum, and that dose may need to be modified during pregnancy to maintain consistent plasma concentrations and efficiency. Symptoms such as muscle weakness or shakiness, drowsiness, feeding/breathing difficulties, or constant crying may occur in babies born to mothers on seroquel during the last three months of pregnancy.
11. Can I take Seroquel while breastfeeding?
Maternal Seroquel doses of up to 400 mg daily lead to lower levels of milk production. Infants who have been exposed to Seroquel generally seem to develop normally. Seroquel is usually the first-line or second-line drug during breastfeeding. The infant has to be monitored for drowsiness and developmental milestones, especially if other antipsychotics are used concurrently.
