Unfortunately, various psychotic disorders are quite common in the modern world. And, of course, people with similar problems urgently need proper and adequate treatment. Modern pharmacology offers a lot of drugs that can cope with such disorders or at least alleviate the patient's condition. And a fairly good choice is the drug "Seroquel." The reviews of specialists and patients indicate that the medicine really helps. But what is included in its composition? Are there any contraindications to therapy? How much are the pills? This information will be of interest to many readers.
Composition and form of release of the drug
Quite often, the list of drugs prescribed for patients with certain mental disorders includes the Seroquel drug. This medicine is available in the form of small round tablets with a white, pink or yellow solid coating (depending on the dosage).
The main active substance here is quetiapine in the form of a fumarate. To date, tablets with a dosage of 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg of this component are available. Naturally, other substances are used in the production process, in particular povidone, microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium stearate and sodium carboxymethyl starch.
The shell contains titanium dioxide, macrogol 400, hypromellose, as well as dyes - red or yellow iron oxide.
In addition, there is the drug "Seroquel Prolong", which provides a more prolonged effect. It is also available in the form of tablets, but biconvex and oblong in shape. There are tablets containing 50, 150, 200 and 400 mg of the main active substance (quetiapine also plays this role).
As auxiliary substances, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium citrate dihydrate, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate and hypromellose are present here. Tablets are placed in blisters of 10 pieces. In one package there are six such blisters.
The main pharmacological properties
This drug is a new generation antipsychotic (antipsychotic drug). In the process of research, it was found that the main active component exhibits a high affinity for certain serotonin receptors in the brain. The drug also affects histamine, as well as alpha-1 - and alpha-2-adrenergic receptors.
The drug is well and relatively quickly absorbed by the walls of the digestive tract. The main components bind to blood proteins by approximately 83%. Quetiapine is metabolized in the tissues of the liver, where it is converted into several metabolites without any pharmacological activity. Most of the metabolites are excreted by the kidneys (about 73%), a smaller one - together with feces. Approximately 5% of ketiapine is excreted at the initial unchanged level.
The main indications for use
In fact, there are many situations when taking such a drug is simply necessary. For example, if you are interested in the question of how to treat schizophrenia, then you should know that such drugs are part of the therapy.
In addition, the drug "Seroquel" is widely used to treat depressive conditions of moderate and severe degree (in combination with other drugs, of course). It is also prescribed for patients with acute and chronic psychoses of various origins.
The drug "Seroquel": instructions for use
In no case should you use this medicine yourself. Only a doctor knows how to treat schizophrenia, psychosis and other disorders - self-medication will only harm it.
It is immediately worth noting that the dose and duration of therapy is determined individually. Only a doctor can tell you how to take Seroquel Prolong correctly. The instruction contains only general recommendations.
As a rule, the drug is administered starting with small doses, gradually increasing the amount of the active component. For example, with psychoses and schizophrenia, on the first day, the patient receives 50 mg of quetiapine, on the next 100 mg, and then 200, 300, etc. The maximum daily dose is 750 mg, although it all depends on the tolerability of the drug and the severity of its effect. The treatment regimen for patients with depressive disorders looks approximately the same (the maximum daily dose is 600 mg). But with manic psychosis, treatment begins with 100 mg of the drug.
For elderly patients, the initial dose is 25 mg, each day it is increased by another 25-50 mg, depending on the reaction of the body. By the way, you need to take pills only once a day.
Are there any contraindications to treatment?
A very interesting question is whether all categories of patients can take the drug "Seroquel." Reviews of doctors confirm that the drug has not so many contraindications. To begin with, it is worth saying that tablets should not be taken if you are allergic to any of the components. In addition, the drug should never be drunk with cytochrome P450 inhibitors (these are some antibiotics, in particular erythromycin, as well as protease inhibitors and some antifungal drugs). The efficacy and possible adverse effects of tablets in the treatment of pregnant women and pediatric patients are still under study.
Can pregnant women take the medicine?
Many are interested in the question of whether it is possible to take Seroquel or Seroquel Prolong tablets during pregnancy. Instructions for use states that the effect of the drug on the fetal body has not been studied. A medicine can be prescribed only if the expected benefit for a woman is higher than the level of possible risk for the body of a developing child.
As for the lactation period, it is better to stop breastfeeding during therapy, since the degree of allocation of the active component and its metabolites with breast milk has also not been studied.
What are the risks associated with therapy? Feasible side effects
Are there any adverse reactions associated with taking Seroquel tablets? Patient reviews indicate that complications are quite rare, and in a mild form. Nevertheless, they should be familiar with their list in order to notice deterioration in time.
Quite often, patients complain of drowsiness. Other disorders of the nervous system are possible: dizziness, impaired consciousness, vegetative-vascular disorders, muscle rigidity. Very rarely, therapy is accompanied by convulsions.
Digestive disorders also sometimes occur. This is most often constipation or dyspeptic symptoms. Much less often, there is an increase in the level of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, as well as an increase in the activity of liver enzymes.
In the initial period, when the doctor only selects the dose, phenomena such as dizziness associated with a decrease in blood pressure, as well as tachycardia and fainting are possible. As a rule, with a decrease in the daily dose, these symptoms disappear on their own.
Naturally, allergic reactions are also possible, especially in the presence of hypersensitivity to certain chemicals. Allergy is accompanied by swelling, hives, the appearance of skin itching and rash, less often - angioedema and anaphylactic shock.
Sometimes peripheral edema appears during therapy. Some patients report a sharp weight gain. The drug can affect the activity of the thyroid gland, reducing the level of production of its main hormones.
Overdose, its symptoms and treatment
Immediately it is worth saying that in medicine, cases of drug overdose are extremely rare. Indeed, serious complications were observed only when the patient took more than 20 grams of quetiapine at a time.
Overdose symptoms are an increase in the most common adverse reactions, including a sharp decrease in blood pressure, severe drowsiness, and tachycardia. First aid comes down to washing the stomach and taking sorbents, although this is effective only if the drug has not yet had time to absorb the walls of the digestive tract. In the future, symptomatic therapy is carried out, which is aimed at supporting the normal functioning of the respiratory, cardiovascular and excretory systems.
Effective drug analogues
For one reason or another, this drug is not suitable for all patients. A completely natural question arises - is it possible to replace it with something? Of course, many antipsychotic drugs have the same effect. Moreover, some even have the same active substance. For example, Quentiax tablets have practically the same composition and properties.
There are other good counterparts. Such drugs as Lakvel, Ketiap, Nantarid, Servitel, Quetitex and many others are considered quite effective. Some of them, by the way, cost a little less.
But in any case, you need to understand that only the attending physician can change the list of drugs prescribed for you - to select analogues or take any drugs without the knowledge of a specialist is strictly contraindicated.
How much is the medicine?
For many patients, the question of the price of a particular medicine is extremely important. So how much does a Seroquel tablet pack cost? The price, of course, depends on many factors, including the manufacturer, the financial policy of the pharmacy and the dosage.
For example, tablets containing 25 mg of active substance cost about 1600-1800 rubles. A drug with a dosage of 100 mg will cost more - its price ranges from 3000 to 3600 rubles. Tablets with a dose of 200 mg cost about 5500-6000 rubles.
Packing the drug "Seroquel Prolong" with a dose of 200 mg of the active ingredient will cost 7500-8000 rubles. But tablets with a maximum dose (400 mg) cost about 15 thousand rubles. Of course, prices are slightly high, however, sometimes such expenses are simply necessary.
Reviews about the drug
Today, many patients suffering from certain disorders, doctors prescribe it is "Seroquel." Reviews of specialists about this medicine are really good. This is a new generation drug that gently acts on the body without causing severe side effects. Even such common reactions as drowsiness and problems with concentration, appear much less often.
What do patients themselves say about the drug "Seroquel"? Patient reviews are also mostly laudatory. This drug in combination with some other drugs really helps to get rid of a lot of problems and improves well-being. Yes, in some people, pills cause fatigue, drowsiness, and changes in body weight. If during therapy you feel any negative changes in your own condition, then consult a doctor immediately - you may need some other medicine. The disadvantages of the drug also include its rather high cost. On the other hand, the effect of therapy is worth any money.