Seroquel XR
Seroquel XR (quetiapine extended release), belongs to the class of medications known as atypical antipsychotics.
Quetiapine extended release is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things which are not there), fixed false beliefs, unusual suspiciousness, or emotional withdrawal. This medication is also used to treat manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (commonly known as depression) for people whom have tried other antidepressants and for whatever reason, have had unsuccessful results. Quetiapine extended release does not cure the conditions noted, but if taken as prescribed can help to manage the symptoms of the condition, and help the patient / client feel better.
Quetiapine extended release works by regulating the imbalances of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that carry signals from one neuron to another, so interfering with them can considerably change a person’s feelings and behavior. Quetiapine extended release affects two major neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin.
Quetiapine fumarate reaches it’s peak plasma concentrations approximately 6 hours following administration; is dosed once daily. It must be swallowed whole, cannot be cut, crushed, diluted. It is widely distributed throughout the body with an apparent volume of distribution of 10±4L/kg. It is extensively metabolized by the liver. It’s major metabolic pathways are sulfoxidation to the sulfoxide metabolite and oxidation to the parent acid metabolite, both metabolites are pharmacologically inactive.
Drug interactions include that this medication may antagonize the effects of levodopa and dopamine agonists. There are also known reports of false positive results in urine enzyme immunoassays for methadone and tricyclic antidepressants in patients who have taken