Psyquit (quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication used alone or with other medications to treat a range of mental or psychiatric disorders. At low doses it is also used as a sleeping aid. Psyquit is appropriate for patients age 10 and up, though young patients will require adjusted doses and increased monitoring.

As an atypical antipsychotic, Psyquit is less likely to produce certain side effects than typical antipsychotics. Perhaps most notable among these side effects are extrapyramidal symptoms, which are movement and muscle control issues that can detract tremendously from a patient's quality of life. Note, however, that less likely does not mean never; it is still a risk and all patients should be alert for involuntary muscle movements. If addressed quickly the condition is often reversible.

Conditions Treated

Psyquit is used in a variety of mental disorders, both with and without other medications. It is approved for us in treating:

• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder

Off-label it is commonly used to help treat:

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Anxiety
• Parkinson's disease psychosis
• Schizophrenia
• Auditory hallucinations
• Paranoid Disorder
• Tourette's Syndrome
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Insomnia

Some patients notice improvements in just a few days, but it takes several weeks of treatment to see maximum benefit. Regular checkups are advisable for the duration of treatment to monitor for any developing side effects; this is a potent medication and it can cause serious complications.

Patients taking Psyquit can expect to feel better in a number of ways, though of course this varies according to the condition being treated. While not all symptoms may be entirely eliminated, patients are better able to recognize delusional thoughts and stay grounded in reality. Hospitalizations go down and patients have considerably less fear of public embarrassment. Psyquit can significantly improve quality of life, allowing patients to maintain independence, remain functional, and retain their dignity.

Other benefits patients report include:

• Improved mood.
• More stable mood/fewer mood swings.
• Improved mental focus and clarity.
• Improved control over thoughts and feelings.
• Better impulse control.

On the downside, patients also report sedation, feeling groggy, and weight gain. Not all patients will experience these side effects, but they are relatively common.

Taking Psyquit

Psyquit comes in tablets, which may be taken with or without food. Taking on a full stomach may reduce nausea.

Dosage and duration of treatment with Psyquit can vary considerably depending on a number of personal variables, most significant among them being age, weight, other medical conditions that may be present, and other medications being taken. That said, treatment is typically similar in all psychiatric cases. Treatment should start at lower doses be increased to maintenance doses. In otherwise healthy adults treatment for psychiatric disorders is usually as follows:

• On day 1, take 25 mg twice per day for a total of 50 mg.
• On day 2, take 50 mg twice per day for a total of 100 mg.
• On day 3, take 100 mg twice per day for a total of 200 mg.
• On day 4, take 200 mg twice per day for a total of 400 mg.
• 400 mg per day is sufficient for most patients. If it is not sufficient, dosage may be further increased in increments of 100 mg per day up to a total of 800 mg per day.
• Do not exceed 800 mg per day.

And as a sleeping aid:

• Start with 25 mg taken shortly before bed.
• If needed dosage may be increased to 50 or 75 mg taken shortly before bed.

While many patients notice improvements just days after starting treatment, it will take a few weeks of regular treatment for maximum benefit to be seen.

Treatment with Psyquit should not stop abruptly, particularly if the medication was taken at higher doses and/or long term. If ending treatment or switching to a different medication, dosage should be gradually tapered off to prevent withdrawal symptoms. A doctor can help come up with a discontinuation plan.

Warnings Before Use

Like all antipsychotic medications, a small percentage of younger patients taking Psyquit may experience an increase in suicidal or aggressive thoughts. This side effect is most prominent in patients under 25 years of age and, if experienced at all, usually happens in the first few weeks of treatment. These patients should be monitored closely during the first few weeks of taking this medication.

Patients with certain preexisting conditions are at greater risk of experiencing potentially serious side effects from Psyquit. This product should be used with caution if there is any history of:

• Liver or kidney impairment
• Any heart problems
• High or low blood pressure
• Seizures
• Diabetes/high blood sugar
• Cataracts

Psyquit should be used with extreme caution in the elderly, and should not be used in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

This medication is known to interact with other medications. Of particular concern are:

• Antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral medications
• Heart and/or high blood pressure medications
• Seizure medications
• Other antipsychotics or antidepressants
• St. John's wort

Always double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications.