Among the psychotropic drugs most currently used for the treatment of various psychopathologies is quetiapine, which helps control the symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with marked effectiveness.
Exacerbated emotions, alterations in thinking and loss of interest in life, symptoms that afflict schizophrenia patients, have been greatly reduced and even eliminated in many cases. However, it is necessary to note that this medication does not in any way represent the cure for this mental disorder.
In the case of bipolar disorder, the use of quetiapine helps to relieve the symptoms of both the depressive and manic phases, and is also used as a preventive treatment to prevent these symptoms from occurring, causing discomfort in patients.
It is widely used to treat these pathologies in children and adolescents, helping to modify the way some neurotransmitters behave. It can be indicated alone or in combination with other medications as part of the treatment.
It is important to note that, like all medicines, they must be administered under strict medical supervision, following the specialist’s instructions and under no circumstances should the recommended dose be modified without their approval.
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What is quetiapine?
Quetiapine, according to Stahl (2002), is a second-generation antipsychotic psychotropic drug (SGA), which is responsible for changing brain chemistry, helping to balance serotonin and dopamine levels. It is also classified as an atypical antipsychotic.
Its action on neurotransmitters helps to reduce, and in many cases eliminate, the symptoms associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, improving the mood of patients and even influencing their thoughts and behavior.
In combination with other medications it can be used for the treatment of major depressive disorder, showing great effectiveness, which is why it is an increasingly used medication. In addition to this, one of its great advantages is that it usually produces very few side effects.
Uses of quetiapine
The antipsychotic quetiapine is a medication that is usually used to treat the symptoms of various mental disorders, and even preventively to prevent their appearance.
Is used for:
- Treat schizophrenia. Eliminating or reducing hallucinations, mood alterations, confusion, overwhelmed emotions and other symptoms that occur in this psychopathology.
- Treat mania. Helping to reduce the altered and euphoric mood, hyperactivity, agitation and even violence or aggressiveness that occurs in some cases.
- Treat depression. It is used to treat the depressive phase of bipolar disorder by helping to increase energy level, improving appetite and sleep quality, as well as helping to reduce feelings of guilt and emptiness.
In combination with other psychotropic drugs, it can be used as part of the treatment for major depressive disorder with great effectiveness, and its use is usually prolonged, even when the patient reports feeling great improvement.
This is done to help stabilize the brain’s neurochemistry and balance serotonin and dopamine to normal levels (those present in the absence of mental disorders).
Side effects of quetiapine
Although the side effects of quetiapine are unusual, it is important to know about them and be alert to their appearance, in which case it is essential to consult with the treating doctor about it.
In many cases there is an increase in thirst, but it is nothing serious. Likewise, one of the most common side effects is weight gain. Dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting may occur. There may also be abnormal muscle movements or tremors.
In a smaller number of cases there may be alterations in the menstrual cycle, tachycardia, indigestion, constipation, blurred vision, general weakness, feeling very hungry or being irritated. There may also be drops in blood pressure and hormonal alterations. Hyperglycemia, swelling of arms or legs and fever.
Some patients report having abnormal dreams or frequent nightmares and language difficulties may be experienced. Due to hormonal imbalances, gynecomastia (increase in breast tissue in men) is common.
In fewer cases, dermatological alterations occur, such as changes in skin color and temperature, appearance of rashes and rashes. Metabolic syndrome, sexual dysfunction, priapism (long-lasting painful erection), intestinal obstruction or hepatitis may also occur.
Fainting, stuffy nose, sleepwalking, blood clots, heart rhythm disturbances, frequently slowing of the heartbeat, milk production or galactorrhea, blood disturbances such as a decrease in the number of red blood cells or sodium, among others.
It is important to be attentive to these secondary symptoms and notify the treating doctor. Under no circumstances should treatment be suspended or the dose reduced without first consulting the specialist who has prescribed this medication.
References: Stahl, S. M. (2002). Essential psychopharmacology. Neuroscientific bases and clinical applications. Barcelona: Ariel.