Quetiapine

Quetiapine (brand name, Seroquel and Seroquel XR) is an atypical antipsychotic medication manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP approved for the treatment of depressive and acute manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and for the treatment of schizophrenia.

The prevalence of bipolar disorder (both bipolar I and II) is estimated at between 1% and 6.5%, whereas the lifetime risk of schizophrenia is approximately 0.5%. The effectiveness of quetiapine in treating depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder as well as acute manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (as monotherapy, adjunct therapy, and maintenance therapy) has been demonstrated in several placebo-controlled trials, as measured by instruments designed to rate psychiatric symptoms. Similarly, quetiapine has been shown to improve schizophrenia symptoms in placebo-controlled trials conducted for up to 6 weeks.

Aripiprazole, carbamazepine, chlorpromazine, divalproex, lithium, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone can also be used to treat bipolar mania and/or depression. Other available medications approved for the treatment of schizophrenia include iloperidone, paliperidone, aripiprazole, ziprasidone, quetiapine, and risperidone.

As with most medications designed to treat depressive episodes, individuals who take quetiapine are more like to have suicidal thoughts and should be monitored by a physician. Quetiapine should not be used in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Quetiapine is available in multiple strengths (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg) and recommended dosing varies depending on type and severity of psychiatric disease (ie, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia).

AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, was formed as a result of a merger of 2 companies in 1999. Currently, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the world with a goal of developing medications throughout a variety of therapeutic areas that improve the health and quality of life of people throughout the world. The company has an active presence around the world and employs over 65,000 people.

Author: C. Anders, BiPolar Disorder Product Reviews