Although the mechanism of action of quetiapine is not fully understood, several proposed mechanisms exist.
In schizophrenia, its actions could occur from the antagonism of dopamine type 2 (D2) and serotonin 2A (5HT2A) receptors.
In bipolar depression and major depression, quetiapine's actions may be attributed to the binding of this drug or its metabolite to the norepinephrine transporter.
Additional effects of quetiapine, including somnolence, orthostatic hypotension, and anticholinergic effects, may result from the antagonism of H1 receptors, adrenergic α1 receptors, and muscarinic M1 receptors, respectively.

Bipolar depression and major depressive episodes in major depressive disorder: where you feel sad. You may find that you feel depressed, feel guilty, lack energy, lose your appetite, or can’t sleep.
Mania: where you may feel very excited, elated, agitated, enthusiastic, or hyperactive or have poor judgment including being aggressive or disruptive.
Schizophrenia: where you may hear or feel things that are not there, believe things that are not true, or feel unusually suspicious, anxious, confused, guilty, tense, or depressed.

You will take your tablets once a day.
Do not split, chew or crush the tablets.
Swallow your tablets whole with a drink of water.
Take your tablets without food (at least one hour before a meal or at bedtime, your doctor will tell you when).
Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are taking Quetiapine. It can affect the way medicine works.
Do not stop taking your tablets even if you feel better unless your doctor tells you.
Your doctor will decide on your starting dose. The maintenance dose (daily dose) will depend on your illness and needs
Doses may be changed in special conditions so always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions.
If you take more than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital straight away.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it unless it is nearly time for your next dose.
Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for the forgotten dose.

Although the following side effects are not common in everyone, some patients may complain from:

Dizziness (may lead to falls), headache, dry mouth.
Feeling sleepy (this may go away with time, as you keep taking Quetiapine).
Discontinuation symptoms (symptoms which occur when you stop taking Quetiapine) include not being able to sleep (insomnia), feeling sick (nausea), headache, diarrhea, being sick (vomiting), dizziness and irritability.
Abnormal muscle movements. These include difficulty starting muscle movements, shaking, feeling restless, or muscle stiffness without pain.
Changes in the number of certain fats (triglycerides and total cholesterol).
Rapid heartbeat.
Constipation, upset stomach (indigestion).
Feeling weak.
Swelling of arms or legs.
Low blood pressure when standing up.
Increased levels of sugar in the blood.
Blurred vision.
Abnormal dreams and nightmares.
Feeling irritated.
Disturbance in speech and language.
Shortness of breath.
Vomiting (mainly in the elderly).
Fever.
Changes in the number of thyroid hormones in your blood.
Decreases in the number of certain types of blood cells.
Increases in the number of liver enzymes measured in the blood.
Increases in the amount of the hormone prolactin in the blood.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using this medicine during pregnancy and breast-feeding

Ginkgo biloba has been studied for its effects on mental health and found to be effective. Gingko Biloba extract can be purchased in liquid or capsule form for example Ginkozac Capsules
Some conditions can be triggered by stress.
Physical therapy like yoga will be helpful
Adequate amount of sleep is very important for your mental health
Always take your medications as instructed.

If you, or someone in your family, have or have had any heart problems.
If you have low blood pressure.
If you have had a stroke, especially if you are elderly.
If you have problems with your liver.
If you have ever had a fit (seizure).
If you have diabetes or have a risk of getting diabetes. If you do, your doctor may check your blood sugar levels while you are taking Quetiapine.
If you know that you have had low levels of white blood cells in the past (which may or may not have been caused by other medicines).
If you are an elderly person with dementia (loss of brain function).
If you are an elderly person with Parkinson’s disease/parkinsonism.
If you or someone else in your family has a history of blood clots.
If you have or have had a condition where you stop breathing for short periods during your normal nightly sleep (called “sleep apnea”) and are taking medicines that slow down the normal activity of the brain (depressants)
If you have or have had a condition where you can’t completely empty your bladder (urinary retention), have an enlarged prostate, a blockage in your intestines, or increased pressure inside your eye.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medications including over-the-counter non-prescription medicines, prescription medicines, herbal supplements, vitamins, and supplements.

Store below 25°c
Don’t refrigerate
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store in the original package to protect from moisture.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the box/blisters/label. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.

Seroquel, Xl, Quetiapine 300 Mg - 30 Tablets

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