Quetiapine

Serum, 1ml

Quetiapine belongs to the atypical class of neuroleptics and is administered for the treatment of psychic disorders such as chronic schizophrenia or bipolar complaints. Low dose quetiapine is also recommended as a sleeping drug but is not medically approved for this purpose. The antipsychotic and anti-depressive characteristics of the medication however, are claimed for the blocking of dopamine receptors and the antagonistic effect on serotonin receptors (specifically the 5-HT2 receptor). Frequent side effects are, somnolence and increase in body weight.

Type of drug: Antipsychotics
Metabolism: CYP3A4, CYP2D6, P-gp(ABCB1)
Half life t½: 6-11h, Desalkylquetiapin: 10-13h
Steady State: 2 days
TDM: recommended
Additional informations: If the ER formulation is taken in the evening and blood sampled in the morning, the expected concentration is about twice as high as the trough level.