How Does it Work?
Quetiapine works by modulating the action of two key neurotransmitters in the brain:
- Dopamine: Dopamine is involved in mood regulation, cognition, and behavior. In conditions like schizophrenia or mania, there may be an overactivity of dopamine in certain parts of the brain, leading to symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, and agitation. Quetiapine blocks dopamine receptors in the brain, helping reduce these symptoms.
- Serotonin: Serotonin influences mood, sleep, and appetite. By affecting serotonin receptors, quetiapine helps improve mood stability, which is particularly useful for individuals with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder.
The extended-release (ER) formulation allows quetiapine to be absorbed more gradually throughout the day. This helps maintain a steady level of the medication in the bloodstream, reducing the peaks and valleys that can occur with immediate-release formulations and improving overall symptom control.
Uses
Quetiapine Fumarate ER 150mg Tablets are used to manage several psychiatric and mood disorders:
- Schizophrenia: Quetiapine is effective in treating both the positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and the negative symptoms (apathy, reduced emotional expression) of schizophrenia.
- Bipolar Disorder: In bipolar disorder, quetiapine can help manage both manic episodes (characterized by elevated mood, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity) and depressive episodes (with symptoms like sadness, lack of energy, and irritability).
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Quetiapine is sometimes used as an add-on treatment in people with MDD, especially when other antidepressants are not fully effective. It can help reduce depressive symptoms and improve mood.
- Anxiety and Insomnia: Although not specifically approved for these conditions, quetiapine is sometimes used off-label to treat severe anxiety or insomnia, particularly when these symptoms are part of another underlying psychiatric disorder.
Benefits
- Effective for Multiple Conditions: Quetiapine is versatile, treating a range of disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Its ability to address multiple psychiatric symptoms makes it a valuable option in psychiatric treatment.
- Mood Stabilization: For people with bipolar disorder, quetiapine helps stabilize mood swings, reducing the risk of both manic and depressive episodes.
- Improved Sleep: One of the most common side effects of quetiapine is sedation, which can be beneficial for individuals with insomnia or poor sleep quality, often seen in conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.
- Lower Risk of Movement Disorders: Compared to first-generation antipsychotics, quetiapine has a lower risk of causing extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) like tremors or stiffness, making it a better option for long-term treatment.
- Once-Daily Dosing: The extended-release formulation allows for once-daily dosing, which can be more convenient and improve patient adherence to treatment.
Side Effects
While Quetiapine Fumarate ER 150mg Tablets are generally well tolerated, they can cause side effects. Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness: Quetiapine often causes sedation, especially when the patient first starts taking it. This can be useful for people with insomnia, but it may cause daytime drowsiness for some individuals.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: Due to its effect on blood pressure, some individuals may experience dizziness, especially when standing up quickly.
- Weight Gain: Quetiapine has been linked to increased appetite and weight gain, which can concern long-term users.
- Dry Mouth: Some people may experience a dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable but is generally not dangerous.
- Headache: Mild headaches are common in the early stages of treatment.
Recommendations for Use
- Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Always take quetiapine as prescribed by your doctor. Do not adjust your dose or stop taking the medication without consulting your healthcare provider.
- Monitor for Side Effects: Regular check-ups with your doctor are important to monitor for any side effects, especially metabolic changes (like weight gain, blood sugar, or cholesterol levels).
- Avoid Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking quetiapine can increase the sedative effects of the medication, leading to excessive drowsiness and dizziness.
- Gradual Discontinuation: Quetiapine should not be stopped abruptly. If you need to discontinue the medication, your doctor will help you taper off gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of your psychiatric condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Quetiapine safe for long-term use?
Yes, quetiapine can be used long-term, especially when managed under the supervision of a healthcare provider. However, long-term use may require regular monitoring for side effects, such as weight gain or metabolic changes.
Can I take Quetiapine if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Quetiapine should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary, as it may affect the unborn baby. It is also excreted in breast milk, so discuss the risks with your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Can I stop Quetiapine suddenly?
No, you should not stop taking quetiapine suddenly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms or a return of psychiatric symptoms. Always consult your doctor before stopping or adjusting the medication.
Does Quetiapine cause weight gain?
Weight gain is a common side effect of quetiapine, particularly with long-term use. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can help manage weight gain during treatment.
How long does it take for Quetiapine to work?
Quetiapine may take a few days to a few weeks to start showing its full effects. It’s important to be patient and keep taking the medication as prescribed, even if you don’t feel immediate improvement.
How long does it take to deliver Quetiapine tablets to the US?
International shipping of tablets to the US takes approximately 14 to 25 days. For domestic shipping, the estimated delivery time is up to 10 days.
Do I need a prescription to buy Quetiapine tablets?
While we offer the option to buy tablets without a prescription internationally, we strongly recommend consulting your physician and seeking medical advice before taking any medication.
Important Note:
Purchasing Quetiapine Fumarate ER 150mg Tablets online from USA-Pharmacy is simple and secure for US customers. It accepts trusted payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal, which protect transactions and keep information safe. Customers benefit from guaranteed delivery, with a full refund offered if orders do not arrive as expected, fostering trust in online medication purchases. Responsive customer support is available via email at [email protected], typically responding within 48 hours to any medication or order status questions.
