2023-09-07 02:20:28
The quetiapine is a medication that works by blocking dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain to reduce their excessive activity in certain areas. In this way, it is possible to stabilize the mood by influencing neurotransmitter systems. Discover what is quetiapine used for, how long does it take to work and how to take it.
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What is quetiapine and what is it used for?
The quetiapine is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics or neuroleptics. In accordance with specialists at Cleveland Clinic Medical Instituteis mainly used in the treatment of mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and treatment-resistant major depression.
This type of antipsychotic medication works by balancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, hormones that are responsible for regulating the moodbut also the behaviors and thoughts that we can develop.
On the one hand, to block dopamine receptors, may help reduce psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, which are common in schizophrenia. On the other hand, by affecting serotonin receptors, it stabilizes mood in people with bipolar disorder, but it can also reduce anxiety.
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The quetiapine It can also affect other neurotransmitter systems, such as alpha-adrenergic, histaminergic, or norepinephrine, contributing to its ability to treat a variety of conditions. psychiatric symptomsbut also the development of some side effects.
What type of antidepressant is quetiapine?
Although the quetiapine helps treat various mental disorders, doesn’t mean it’s a antidepressantbut is classified as a atypical antipsychotic medication. In specific cases, it can be used to treat depression, especially in situations in which others antidepressant treatments they have not been effective.
The quetiapine acts on the central nervous system, but this type of drug should not be considered as a first-line treatment against depression because, in higher doses or in the long term, it could cause side effects such as drowsiness, weight gain, metabolic problems, sedation or seasickness.
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How is quetiapine taken?
The quetiapine It can be found in tablets for oral administration. It is usually taken one to three times a day, with or without food. The most important thing is to take it without a great variation of schedules; do not chew or crush quetiapine because you could reduce its effectiveness.
Refering to quetiapine dosethis can vary widely depending on the condition being treated, for example, doses for treatment of psychotic or bipolar disorders may be different from those used for the depression. However, it is your doctor who will determine the right dose for you.
Before take quetiapineyou should know that this medication may interact with others such as cisapride, dronedarone, metoclopramide, pimozide, thioridazine, medications for depression such as fluoxetine, amitriptyline, nefazodone, sertraline, medications for infections or stomach problems.
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How quickly does quetiapine take to work?
He how long it takes for quetiapine to take effect It may vary from person to person depending on your body’s response, as well as the release form of the drug. In general, it may take one to two hours to take effect after taking it.
What is stronger, quetiapine or clonazepam?
The quetiapine and clonazepam they are two different medicines, therefore, their mechanism of action is also different. Also, both are used to treat different conditions; they could not be compared in effectiveness because they are not designed to treat the same conditions.
When the doctor prescribes quetiapine it is because the objective is to treat psychotic disorders. As for the clonazepamis used as a tranquilizer or a anxiolytic medicine against anxiety, sleep disorders, seizures and, in some cases, as part of alcohol withdrawal treatment.
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It is very important to be clear about what both medications are used for because taking them incorrectly could cause side effects unwanted.
What effects does quetiapine have in the long term?
When the quetiapine Taken under the supervision of a physician and as directed, it is effective in controlling symptoms that develop mental disorders long-term. However, like any medication, it can also favor the appearance of some side effects, among them the following:
Weight gain Diabetes Dyslipidemia (changes in blood lipid levels) Metabolic disorders, such as obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, or dyslipidemia Hormonal disorders Neurological effects such as tardive dyskinesia, an involuntary movement disorder Drug dependence
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Who should not take quetiapine?
There are certain situations in which it is necessary to be more careful before the take quetiapine, for example, in people with allergies or hypersensitivity, with health problems such as heart disease, liver problems, kidney problems, seizures, epilepsy, low blood pressure, blood disorders, in pregnant or lactating women.
now that you know what is quetiapine for, how is it taken and what are its side effects, Do not hesitate to follow our recommendations so as not to affect its effectiveness in case your doctor has prescribed it for you. Take care of yourself!
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