Is quetiapine safe for older adults?
Older adults can use quetiapine, but they should exercise particular caution because they are typically more susceptible to its negative effects. The patient’s medical circumstances, the rationale for the prescription, and the other medications they take all influence whether or not it is appropriate. Quetiapine for sleep
Potential risks in older adults
common worries consist of:
- sedation or drowsiness, which can make falls more likely.
- Orthostatic hypotension, or low blood pressure while standing, can cause lightheadedness or fainting.
- confusion or cognitive decline, especially in individuals who are already weak.
- Longer-term use may result in weight gain and altered cholesterol or blood sugar levels.
- Some persons experience heart rhythm abnormalities (QT prolongation), particularly when taking other drugs that alter heart rhythm.
IMPORTANT WARNING
important warning for elderly people suffering from dementia:
Antipsychotic drugs like quetiapine may raise the risk of death in older persons with dementia (loss of memory and brain function). Antipsychotic therapy may potentially raise the risk of stroke or ministroke in older persons with dementia.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved quetiapine for the treatment of behavioral issues in elderly dementia patients. If you, a family member, or someone you look for has dementia and is taking quetiapine, speak with the physician who recommended the drug. Quetiapine for sleep
A crucial caution for those suffering from depression:
Antidepressants used to treat depression or other mental diseases increase the risk of suicide thoughts in children, adolescents, and young adults.
This is particularly concerning when you first start treatment and whenever your dosage is adjusted. If you have any of the following symptoms—new or worsening depression; thoughts of harming or killing yourself, or planning or attempting to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; difficulty falling or staying asleep; aggressive behavior; irritability; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; and frenzied abnormal excitement—you, your family, or your caregiver should contact your doctor immediately. When you are unable to seek treatment on your own, make sure your family or caregiver is aware of the signs that could be dangerous so they can contact the doctor.
Why is this drug prescribed?
Quetiapine is used to treat major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, which causes depression, mania, and other aberrant moods, and schizophrenia, a mental condition that alters how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Quetiapine belongs to a group of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics. It functions by altering the brain’s natural chemicals’ activity.
How should this medicine be used?
It is available as an oral tablet and an extended-release tablet. Take the pills with or without food one to three times a day. Take the extended-release pills once daily in the evening, either by themselves or with a small meal. Take quetiapine every day at approximately the same time.
Quetiapine should be taken exactly as prescribed. Don’t take more or less of it, or take it more frequently than your doctor recommends.
Quetiapine extended-release pills should be swallowed whole; do not chew, split, or crush them.
During the first week of treatment, your doctor will likely put you on a low dosage of quetiapine and progressively raise it. Quetiapine for sleep
You should consult your physician before resuming quetiapine if you haven’t taken it for a week or more.
It won’t treat your illness, but it might help manage your symptoms. Even if you feel good, keep taking quetiapine. Never discontinue taking quetiapine without first consulting your physician. You may have withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and trouble falling or staying asleep if you abruptly stop using quetiapine. It’s likely that your doctor will want to progressively reduce your dosage.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking quetiapine,
- If you have an allergy to this medication, any component of it, or any other medications, foods, or substances, let your doctor or pharmacist know. Describe the allergy and your symptoms to your doctor or pharmacist.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal items you currently take or intend to use while on quetiapine. Your doctor might need to adjust your prescription dosages or keep a close eye out for any negative side effects.
- Cimetidine is a nonprescription medication that may interact with quetiapine. Before you begin taking quetiapine, make sure to inform your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking this medicine. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning this medicine while taking quetiapine.
- Inform your physician if you are nursing a baby, intend to get pregnant, or are already pregnant. Contact your physician if you become pregnant while taking quetiapine.
- You should be aware that this drug may make women less fertile. Discuss the dangers of quetiapine with your physician.
- Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking quetiapine if you are undergoing surgery, including dental surgery.
- people should be aware that quetiapine may cause drowsiness. Until you understand how this drug affects you, avoid operating machinery or driving a car, and take measures to prevent falls.
- You should be aware that the drowsiness this drug causes can be exacerbated by alcohol. When taking quetiapine, avoid drinking alcohol.
- people should be aware that quetiapine should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also involve counseling and special education for treating bipolar disorder or schizophrenia in children. Be sure to adhere to all advice from your therapist and/or doctor. Quetiapine for sleep
Side Effects
If any of these symptoms, or those mentioned in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, are severe or persistent, let your doctor know:
- dizziness, feeling unsteady, or having trouble keeping your balance
- pain in the joints, back, or neck
- dry mouth
- nausea, indigestion, vomiting
- constipation
- increased appetite, weight gain
- stuffy nose
- difficulty speaking or using language
- loss of coordination
Serious side effects are possible. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention if you encounter any of the following symptoms, as well as those mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING or SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section:
- problems with coordination, falling down
- seizures
- uncontrollable movements of your arms, legs, tongue, face, or lips
- painful erection of the penis that lasts for hours
- fluid leaking from breasts
- fever; stiff muscles; sweating; confusion; sweating; or fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- sore throat, fever, chills, difficult or painful urination, or other signs of infection
- rash, hives, blisters
- tightening of the neck muscles or the throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing
Other side effects are possible with quetiapine. If you have any strange side effects while taking this medication, give your doctor a call.
Cataracts may result from quetiapine. At the start of your therapy and every six months after that, you will need to have eye exams to check for cataracts. Discuss the dangers of quetiapine with your physician.
You or your doctor can report a serious side event to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program by phone at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch. Quetiapine for sleep
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication out of children’s reach and properly sealed in the original container. Keep it out of the bathroom and at room temperature, away from sources of heat and moisture.
Since many pharmaceutical containers are not child-resistant, keep all medications out of children’s sight and reach. Safety caps should always be locked. Put the medicine in a secure area.
Unused prescriptions should be disposed of in a way that prevents kids, dogs, and other people from taking them. This drug should not be flushed down the toilet. Make use of a medication take-back program. Discuss local take-back initiatives with your pharmacist.
