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- The proper way to use
- Precautions to keep in mind
- Common known side effects
Common known side effects
Along with its needed effects, quetiapine can sometimes cause serious side effects. Some side effects will have signs or symptoms that you can see or feel. Your doctor may watch for others, such as changes in the lenses of the eyes, by doing certain tests. Tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder) may occur and may not go away after you stop using the medicine. Signs of tardive dyskinesia include fine, worm-like movements of the tongue, or other uncontrolled movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, or arms and legs. Another serious but rare side effect that may occur is the neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). You and your doctor should discuss the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of taking it.
Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help immediately if any of the following effects occur:
Rare
Symptoms of NMS; two or more occur together; most of these effects do not require emergency medical attention if they occur alone
- Convulsions (seizures)- difficult or unusually fast breathing- fast heartbeat or irregular pulse- high fever- high or low (irregular) blood pressure- increased sweating- loss of bladder control- severe muscle stiffness- unusually pale skin- unusual tiredness or weaknessCheck with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position- fever, chills, muscle aches, or sore throat- loss of balance control- mask-like face- shuffling walk- skin rash- slowed movements- stiffness of arms or legs- swelling of feet or lower legs- trembling and shaking of hands and fingers- trouble in breathing, speaking, or swallowingRare
- Fainting- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat- menstrual changes- unusual secretion of milk (in females)Rare
Symptoms of underactive thyroid; usually two or more occur together; these effects do not require medical attention if they occur alone unless they continue or are bothersome
- Dry, puffy skin- loss of appetite- tiredness- weight gainSymptoms of overdose
May be similar to side effects seen at normal doses, but may be more severe or two or more may occur together
- Drowsiness- fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat- low blood pressure- weaknessSome side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Constipation- drowsiness- dry mouth- increased weight- indigestionLess common
- Abdominal pain- abnormal vision- decreased appetite- decreased strength and energy- feeling of fast or irregular heartbeat- headache- increased muscle tone- increased sweating- stuffy or runny noseOther side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
- The proper way to use
- Precautions to keep in mind
- Common known side effects
