Quetiapine helps to correct chemical imbalances in the brain. It acts on various chemical messengers in the brain like dopamine and serotonin. It prevents the excessive activity of dopamine, helping to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and mania.

Quetiapine can make you feel sleepy, but it is not used as a sleeping pill. Quetiapine is approved for the treatment of symptoms of schizophrenia. It prevents as well as treats episodes of mania and depression in bipolar disorder. It is also used with other medicines to treat depression.

You may start seeing an improvement within a week of starting Quetiapine but full benefits may take about 4-6 weeks to appear.

Quetiapine has not been approved for the treatment of anxiety; however, your doctor may prescribe it for anxiety. Some studies suggest its use in post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and anxiety associated with mood disorders.

Quetiapine can cause drowsiness. So, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything dangerous until you know how Quetiapine affects you. Do not drink alcohol while taking Quetiapine as it may worsen the drowsiness. Avoid getting dehydrated or over-exposure to heat.

No, you should not stop taking Quetiapine without consulting your doctor. Suddenly stopping it may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, irritability and inability to sleep. If you feel better, consult your doctor who will gradually reduce the dose before completely stopping it.

Yes, weight gain is a common side effect of Quetiapine. If you feel you are gaining weight, consult your doctor or a nutritionist who will suggest you a diet and some exercise to help you manage your weight.

Take Quetiapine exactly as advised by your doctor. Do not split, chew or crush the tablets. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not take it with food. It is advised to take this medicine for at least one hour before a meal or at bedtime. Do not take grapefruit while taking Quetiapine as it may affect the working of this medicine.