Qutan SR 300 Tablet (Quetiapine 300mg)

INTRODUCTION

Qutan SR 300 contains Quetiapine which belongs to the group of medicines called Antipsychotics. It is used to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression (major depressive disorder). Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) is a mental disorder characterized by alternative episodes of mania (sudden unusual extreme sense of happiness) and depression.

Schizophrenia is mental disorder in which you hear or feel things that are not there, believe things that are not true or feel unusually suspicious, anxious, confused, guilty, tensed, or depressed. Major depressive disorder is a mental illness characterized by persistent sadness or depressed mood with loss of interest in activities that can affect your daily life.

Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic. It acts by modulating the activities of certain brain chemicals (dopamine and serotonin) in the brain that causes mental disorders. As a result, it improves the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Before taking QUTAN SR 300MG, inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney, or heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have diabetes, blood clots or a history of drug abuse in the past.

Avoid consumption of alcohol or grapefruit juice while undergoing treatment with QUTAN SR 300MG as it may increase the risk of side effects. Consult your doctor before taking QUTAN SR 300MG if you are pregnant or breastfeeding women. It should be used with caution in elderly patients with dementia.

QUTAN SR 300MG may increase your blood sugar or cholesterol levels. To avoid this, your doctor will regularly monitor your health condition through periodic blood tests.

Other common side effects of Qutan SR 300 are dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, sleepiness, headache, or weight gain. Contact your doctor if any of these side effects worsen. Also, inform your doctor immediately if your mood becomes excessively depressed along with thoughts of self-harming or killing after taking QUTAN SR 300MG.

USES OF Qutan SR 300

It is used to treat:

• Bipolar disorder
• Depression (major depressive disorders)
• Schizophrenia

HOW Qutan SR 300 WORKS

QUTAN SR 300MG effectively controls the symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It contains quetiapine which is an atypical antipsychotic. It acts by blocking certain receptors (dopamine (D2), serotonin 2A (5HT2A)) in the brain that causes abnormal mood changes and mental problems. As a result, it improves the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take QUTAN SR 300MG as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. QUTAN SR 300MG should be taken at least one hour before meals or prior to bedtime.

Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking QUTAN SR 300MG unless your doctor advises you to stop, as it may lead to certain withdrawal symptoms such as difficulty in sleeping, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, irritability, weight gain or increased hunger.

SIDE EFFECTS OF Qutan SR 300

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea and Vomiting:

Take Qutan SR 300 with or just after a meal or a snack. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating rich or spicy food. Consult your doctor if your nausea worsens.

Headache:

Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your headache. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.

Dizziness:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines completely while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your dizziness. Consult your doctor if your dizziness worsens.

Diarrhea:

Hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or fruit juices. Consuming ORS can also be beneficial. Do not self-treat diarrhea on your own. Consult your doctor if your diarrhea becomes uncontrollable.

Constipation:

Eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly. Consult your doctor if this side effect bothers you.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug Interaction:

Before taking QUTAN SR 300MG, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:

• Medicines used to treat HIV infection (Ex. lopinavir, indinavir)
• Medicines used to treat fungal infections (Ex. voriconazole, itraconazole)
• Medicines used for bacterial infections (Ex. erythromycin or clarithromycin)
• Nefazodone (a medicine used to treat depression)
• Medicines used to treat fits (Ex. carbamazepine, phenytoin)
• Medicines used to lower blood pressure (Ex. telmisartan, atenolol)
• Medicines used to induce sleep (Ex. phenobarbital, pentobarbital)
• Medicines used to treat edema (Ex. furosemide, chlorthalidone)
• Medicines that cause constipation (Ex. ferrous sulphate, sertraline)
• Medicines that affect heartbeat and muscle movements (Ex. atropine, dicyclomine)

B. Drug-Food Interaction:

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking QUTAN SR 300MG as it may affect the way this medicine works.

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took more QUTAN SR 300MG, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose are sleepiness, dizziness, and abnormal heart beats.