Drug Cards Daily

Episode #45: quetiapine (Seroquel) | Podcast Show Notes
quetiapine (kwe TYE a peen)

Below will be links for the full Podcast and the Drug Card for quetiapine along with a brief summary of various points on quetiapine. 

QUESTIONS:

  1. Quetiapine has agonist effects on which of the following receptors? Select all that apply. 
    • A). 5HT1A
    • B). D2
    • C). D1
    • D). adrenergic alpha2
    • E). none of the above
  2. Which are the two neurotransmitter receptors that are proposed to be cause for quetiapine’s antipsychotic activity?
  3. True or False. A patient on quetiapine had labwork done and their ANC came back at 1200. It is okay to continue therapy.

SUMMARY:

Quetiapine is also known by the brand name Seroquel. It comes as both an immediate release and extended release formulation. There are several indications such as for schizophrenia and various classifications of Bipolar disorder. It can also be used as adjunct treatment in major depressive disorder. The max dose for quetiapine is 800 mg/day. Doses are generally divided bid-tid. Quetiapine’s antipsychotic activity is proposed to be a result of both dopamine type 2 (D2) and serotonin type 2 (5HT2) antagonism. There are many other antagonist effects on neurotransmitter receptors in the brain such as 5HT1A, 5HT2, D1, D2, H1, and adrenergic alpha1/alpha3 receptors. There is a black box warning for dementia related psychosis and suicidality. Common side effects are somnolence, weight gain, and constipation. Quetiapine should never be stopped abruptly after prolonged usage.

ANSWERS:  

  1. E is correct. Quetiapine has antagonist effects, not agonist effects.
  2. Dopamine type 2 (D2) and serotonin type 2 (5HT2)
  3. True. The concern is if the ANC drops below 1000. 1200 is still a concern since it may be approaching <1000 so it would be wise to monitor this.
Did you get any wrong? Make sure to listen to this week’s episode and download the free Drug Card for quetiapine.

PDF of Drug Card: quetiapine