get the side effects shown. There are many other possible side effects. Ask your pharmacist, doctor or nurse if you are
worried about anything else that you think might be a side effect.
Side effect What is it? What should I do if it happens to me
COMMON
DYSPEPSIA Stomach pain or upset Try taking the tablets with or after food.
DROWSINESS Feeling sleepy or sluggish. It can last for a
few hours after taking your dose
Don’t drive or use machinery. Ask your doctor if you can take your
quetiapine at different times of the day.
UNCOMMON
POSTURAL
HYPOTENSION
A low blood pressure. You may feel faint
when you stand up.
Try not to stand up too quickly. If you feel dizzy, don’t drive. This
dizziness is not dangerous
DRY MOUTH Not much saliva or spit. Sugar-free boiled sweets, chewing gum or eating citrus fruits
usually helps. If not, your doctor can give you a mouth spray. A
change in medicine or dose may be possible.
CONSTIPATION Feeling "bunged up" inside. You can't pass
a motion or stool.
Eat more fibre e.g. bran, fruit and vegetables. Do more walking.
Make sure you drink plenty of fluid. A mild laxative from a
pharmacy might help.
TACHYCARDIA This is a fast heart beat. It may feel like
palpitations
It is not usually dangerous. It can be easily treated if it lasts a long
time.
WEIGHT GAIN Eating more and putting on weight,
especially just after you start taking
quetiapine
Avoid fatty foods like chocolate, crisps and fizzy drinks. A diet full
of vegetables and fibre will usually help, as will physical activities
such as walking. If it becomes a problem or you are worried, ask
to see a dietician.
What about alcohol?
It is officially recommended that people taking quetiapine should not drink alcohol. This is because both quetiapine and
alcohol can cause drowsiness. If the two are taken at the same time, severe drowsiness can occur. This can lead to falls or
accidents. As well as this, drinking alcohol often makes psychosis worse. Excessive drinking is especially likely to do this.
Once people are used to taking medication, they can sometimes drink alcohol in small amounts without any harm. Avoid
alcohol altogether for the first one or two months. After this, if you want a drink, try a glass of your normal drink and see
how you feel. If this doesn’t make you feel drowsy, then it is probably OK to drink small amounts. It pays to be very cautious
because alcohol affects people in different ways, especially when they are taking medication.
Don't stop taking your medication because you fancy a drink. Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor,
pharmacist or nurse. If you do drink alcohol, drink only small amounts. Never drink any alcohol and drive.
When I feel better, can I stop taking quetiapine?
No. If you stop taking quetiapine, your original symptoms may return, but this may not be for 3 to 6 months after you stop
the drug. You and your doctor should decide together when you can come off it. Most people need to be on quetiapine for
quite a long time, sometimes years. This is not thought to be harmful. Quetiapine is not addictive.
Remember, leaflets like this can only describe some of the effects of medication. You may find other
books or leaflets also useful. If you have access to the internet you may find a lot of information
there as well, but be careful, as internet based information is not always accurate.
2001 United Kingdom Psychiatric Pharmacy Group www.ukppg.org.uk
This leaflet is to help you understand about your medicine. It is not an official manufacturer's Patient Information Leaflet.
For more information call the UKPPG National Telephone Helpline, 11am to 5pm, Monday to Friday on 020 7919 2999 or
visit www.nmhct.nhs.uk/pharmacy
This leaflet has been supplied by:
Name
Address
Address
Telephone Number
