Qupin-25 Tablet 25mg Tablets

Quetiapine is an antipsychotic medicine. It is used to:

• treat schizophrenia
• treat or prevent the highs (mania) and lows (depression) of bipolar disorder
• help treat severe depression, alongside other medicines

Take quetiapine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. Your doctor will usually start with a low dose and adjust it.

• You can take it with or without food.
• Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not split, chew or crush them.
• Keep taking it even when you feel better.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless your next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• Do not stop suddenly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will lower the dose slowly.
• Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking it.

Common side effects include:

• sleepiness, tiredness or trouble sleeping
• dizziness, dry mouth and constipation
• a fast heartbeat
• weight gain
• shaking, stiff muscles or feeling restless

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• thoughts of harming yourself
• fever with stiff muscles, sweating, confusion or an irregular heartbeat
• movements of the face, tongue or limbs you cannot control
• great thirst, passing a lot of urine, or fruity-smelling breath (signs of high blood sugar)
• yellow skin or eyes, or blistering, peeling skin
• swelling of the face, lips or throat, or trouble breathing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have a heart problem, such as an irregular heartbeat, or a family history of one
• have low or high blood pressure, diabetes, or liver or thyroid problems
• have had seizures, cataracts or trouble swallowing
• have a history of alcohol or drug misuse
• are pregnant, planning a baby or breastfeeding
• take other medicines, including some heart, HIV, antibiotic (such as clarithromycin) or antifungal medicines

It is not usually given to people under 18.

Keep it in the original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children. Do not flush unused medicine; ask your pharmacist how to dispose of it.

Older people with dementia: antipsychotics like quetiapine may raise the risk of stroke and death in this group.

Mood: children, teenagers and young adults may have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts, especially at the start or after a dose change. Family members should watch for changes in mood or behaviour.

It can make you sleepy or dizzy, especially when standing up. Do not drive or use machines until you know how it affects you, and limit alcohol. Take care in hot weather and drink plenty of water, as it can make it harder for your body to cool down.