Quetiapine

Definition

Quetiapine is an antipsychotic medication used to treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. It works by altering the actions of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quetiapine can cause weight gain and changes in appetite, which are important nutritional considerations for nurses.
2. This medication may influence blood sugar levels, making monitoring crucial for patients with diabetes or at risk of diabetes.
3. Patients taking quetiapine should avoid alcohol as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
4. It is important to monitor for signs of metabolic syndrome in patients on quetiapine due to its association with increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
5. Nurses should educate patients about the potential for orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up) and advise them to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.

Review Questions

• What are some nutritional concerns associated with quetiapine?
• Why is it important to monitor blood sugar levels in patients taking quetiapine?
• What advice should nurses give to patients regarding alcohol consumption while on quetiapine?

Related terms

Antipsychotics: Medications used to manage psychosis, including delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, or disordered thought.

Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, often associated with weight gain from medications like quetiapine.

Orthostatic Hypotension: A form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down.