Some information about Quetiapine before you order home delivery
It can already be challenging to live with a medical condition, but you should not have to face additional difficulties in getting information regarding medications such as quetiapine.
The good news is that the medical review team here at Chemist2U explains quetiapine and its role in the treatment of a variety of mental health conditions, as well as its side effects, interactions with other drugs, and more.
For those interested in ordering their medications, Chemist2U provides a convenient online platform where you can easily purchase prescription quetiapine and have it delivered right to you.
In this article
How does quetiapine work?
Quetiapine, known by its brand name Seroquel, is a psychiatric drug that’s typically used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
It works by connecting to a group of receptors in the brain and body that are part of the serotonin receptor family and blocking their activity. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that impacts wellbeing and happiness.
Quetiapine also affects parts of the brain involved with dopamine, which plays a role in pleasure and motivation, by blocking D1 and D2 receptors. Essentially, quetiapine blocks certain receptors to help regulate mood and behaviour.
Additionally, it helps reduce anxiety and depression by slowing down the uptake of norepinephrine, a stress-related chemical, and by partially activating another receptor (5 HT1A) related to mood and anxiety.[1]
How do you take quetiapine?
Quetiapine is available in tablet form. The exact dosage should be provided by your doctor and will depend on your age, condition being treated, other conditions, and whether or not you are taking any other medicines.
For those newly starting on quetiapine or returning to treatment after a pause, a gradual approach is usually prescribed by doctors, beginning with a low quetiapine dosage that incrementally increases.
Discontinuing quetiapine isn’t advised without your doctor’s input.[2] It’s advised to take it at the same time each day to develop a routine and avoid missing a dose.
Who can take quetiapine?
Quetiapine is generally suitable for adults aged eighteen and above who are managing certain mental health conditions. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
If you have any health concerns, you should talk to your doctor before starting this treatment.[3] These include past allergic reactions to quetiapine or similar medicines, heart irregularities, low blood pressure, a history of strokes, or conditions affecting movement control.
Additionally, those with Parkinson’s disease, dementia, low white blood cell counts, diabetes, epilepsy, liver issues, blood clot histories, sleep apnoea, urinary retention, an enlarged prostate, or glaucoma need to exercise caution.
Side effects of quetiapine
There are a number of side effects associated with quetiapine, as with any prescription medication, and experiences vary from person to person.
It is not uncommon for people to experience dizziness, fatigue, constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, weakness, an increase in weight, and increased appetite. More serious but rare side effects are bone marrow suppression, diabetes, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, severe dyslipidemia, cataracts, and low blood pressure.[4]
If you experience any adverse reactions, including those not listed, it’s best to see your doctor right away.
Quetiapine and other medications
Using quetiapine requires careful consideration for it to work as intended, especially when it comes to mixing it with other medicines.
The medication’s effectiveness and risk of side effects can be influenced by its interactions with carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, barbiturates, and glucocorticoids.[5]
During your consultation with your doctor, it’s best to disclose all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking so they can provide you with a suitable prescription.
Medicines you should not use with quetiapine
There are other medications that can impact quetiapine’s effectiveness or lead to unwanted effects.[6] These medications include treatments for anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, sleep aids like lorazepam, epilepsy medications such as phenytoin or carbamazepine, and those for managing high blood pressure or heart conditions.
Additionally, certain antibiotics, antifungals, HIV medications, other antipsychotics like thioridazine, treatments for Parkinson’s disease, stimulants, anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids, and medicines with anticholinergic effects should not be taken without approval from your doctor.
Before starting quetiapine, you should share a comprehensive list of all medications and supplements you’re currently taking or plan to take with your doctor.
How to order quetiapine through Chemist2U
The symptoms of mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, can make multiple trips to the pharmacy to get medications like quetiapine and Lexapro (Escitalopram) difficult.
At Chemist2U, we make medication easy. Our online pharmacy delivery services can help alleviate some of the barriers and stress associated with obtaining medications, such as Cymbalta (Duloxetine) and Zoloft (Sertraline).
It’s as simple as uploading your eScript to our app or website and adding over-the-counter medication and general pharmacy products to your order. Each order is carefully filled out by a qualified pharmacist from a partner pharmacy in your local community.
Same-day delivery is available with the majority of medications; simply ensure that you place your order before the cutoff time, which is typically 2.00 p.m. but may vary in some locations. Note that a minority of products (inc. Ozempic and Mounjaro) are delivered via AusPost. Allow five to seven business days for these medications.
With Chemist2U, compassionate care meets convenience, as we deliver directly to you. Let us make medication easy so you can focus on what truly matters. Order home delivery at Chemist2U today!
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459145/
[2] https://www.nps.org.au/medicine-finder/seroquel-tablets#s4
[3] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/quetiapine/who-can-and-cannot-take-quetiapine/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548616/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9646717
[6] https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/3d3a7c14-b5b5-4ea9-bec5-a53300ff1680.pdf
