Safety Information for SEROQUEL XR

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis (having lost touch with reality due to confusion and memory loss) treated with this type of medicine are at an increased risk of death, compared to placebo (sugar pill). SEROQUEL XR is not approved for treating these patients. Antidepressants have increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults. Patients of all ages starting treatment should be watched closely for worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, unusual changes in behavior, agitation, and irritability. Patients, families, and caregivers should pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed. Report any change in these symptoms immediately to the doctor. SEROQUEL XR is not approved for patients under the age of 18 years. Stop SEROQUEL XR and call your doctor right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms: high fever; excessive sweating; stiff muscles; confusion; changes in pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure. These may be symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare and very serious condition that can lead to death. High blood sugar and diabetes have been reported with SEROQUEL XR and medicines like it. If you have diabetes or risk factors such as obesity or a family history of diabetes, your doctor should check your blood sugar before you start taking SEROQUEL XR and also during therapy. If you develop symptoms of high blood sugar or diabetes, such as excessive thirst or hunger, increased urination, or weakness, contact your doctor. Complications from diabetes can be serious and even life threatening. Increases in triglycerides and in LDL (bad) cholesterol and decreases in HDL (good) cholesterol have been reported with SEROQUEL XR. Your doctor should check your cholesterol levels before you start SEROQUEL XR and during therapy. Weight gain has been reported with SEROQUEL XR. Your doctor should check your weight regularly. Tell your doctor about any movements you cannot control in your face, tongue, or other body parts, as they may be signs of a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia (TD). TD may not go away, even if you stop taking SEROQUEL XR. TD may also start after you stop taking SEROQUEL XR. Other risks include feeling dizzy or lightheaded upon standing, decreases in white blood cells (which can be fatal), or trouble swallowing. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these. Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking. Also tell your doctor if you have or have had low white blood cell count, seizures, abnormal thyroid tests, high prolactin levels, heart or liver problems, or cataracts. An eye exam for cataracts is recommended at the beginning of treatment and every 6 months thereafter. Since drowsiness has been reported with SEROQUEL XR, you should not participate in activities such as driving or operating machinery until you know that you can do so safely. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated while taking SEROQUEL XR. Do not drink alcohol while taking SEROQUEL XR. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Avoid breast-feeding while taking SEROQUEL XR. The most common side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, increased appetite, upset stomach, weight gain, fatigue, disturbance in speech and language, and stuffy nose. Do not stop taking SEROQUEL XR without talking to your doctor. Stopping SEROQUEL XR suddenly may cause side effects. This is not a complete summary of safety information. Please discuss the full Prescribing Information with your health care provider.

SEROQUEL XR

It is important to take extended-release SEROQUEL XR exactly as prescribed and to report your progress to your health care professional. SEROQUEL XR is not a cure, but it may help you manage bipolar depression. By finding a treatment that works for you, and taking it regularly, you may find having bipolar depression doesn't have to consume you. Be patient and follow the directions of your health care professional. SEROQUEL XR is approved to treat bipolar depression. Ask your health care professional what improvements and potential side effects you may expect when you take SEROQUEL XR. Your health care professional will be able to tell you what side effects to watch for. Use these questions to ask your doctor to prepare for your appointment. It's best to be prepared for possible side effects you may experience while taking SEROQUEL XR. The most common side effects of SEROQUEL XR in adults across all indications are drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, increased appetite, upset stomach, weight gain, fatigue, disturbance in speech and language, and stuffy nose. This is not a complete list of side effects of SEROQUEL XR. Please see additional information on side effects. Remember, it is important to take SEROQUEL XR exactly as your health care professional has prescribed. Consider using a Mood Tracking Diary to keep track of your symptoms and keep making progress with your treatment plan.

SEROQUEL XR for Bipolar Disorder

If you are struggling with depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder, help may be available. SEROQUEL XR, pronounced Ser-O-kwell X-R, is a medication approved to treat three of the episodes of bipolar disorder—mania (highs), mixed (highs and lows), and depression (lows). SEROQUEL XR is FDA-approved to treat both the highs and the lows of bipolar disorder. For many people with bipolar depression, it's just one pill, once a day. In addition, SEROQUEL XR is also approved for long-term maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder when added to lithium or divalproex. Your doctor can tell you what kind of improvements and potential side effects you may expect with SEROQUEL XR. It may take some time before you start to feel better, so be patient and continue taking SEROQUEL XR as prescribed. If you are struggling with depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder, help may be available. The information on this page can help you learn more about SEROQUEL XR and be better prepared to have a productive conversation with your doctor. Your doctor can tell you what kind of improvements and potential side effects you may expect with SEROQUEL XR. It may take some time before you start to feel better, so be patient and continue taking SEROQUEL XR as prescribed.